The Kids of Cattywampus Street
What’s inside...
Lovers of Roald Dahl and Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School will be captivated by the adventures of this very special group of friends who live on the same street. In this delightful chapter book filled with black-and-white pictures, readers will meet Jamal, Lindalee, Hans, Matteo, and others—the kids who live on Cattywampus Street, not far from the Waddlebee Toy Store. Each of the eleven chapters in this magical, mysterious, silly, scary, happy, and sometimes sad chapter book tells an utterly unforgettable tale about one of the kids. Stories range from Jamal and his magic ball, which knows how to find him after it's been stolen, to Charlotta, who shrinks so small she can fit inside her dollhouse, to Rodney, whose pet rock becomes the envy of all the kids on Cattywampus Street. These stories are sure to charm, captivate, and engage all readers of chapter books, even the most reluctant.
Age
7-10
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the kids of Cattywampus Street unique? How do they compare to people we know?
If you could create your own magical adventure like the characters in the book, what would it look like?
Which character did you find most interesting and why?
How do the friendships in the story change or grow? What do you think makes a good friend?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the book? How about you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their perspectives to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the book.
Draw parallels between the magical elements in the book and everyday occurrences to make the themes more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite character in detail, discussing not just the 'what' but the 'why'.
Share your own thoughts and feelings about the story elements to model thoughtful reflection and to build a two-way conversation.
Help your child connect the moral lessons in the story to their own life experiences, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of community
Explanation: The book depicts various children from Cattywampus Street coming together to solve problems and engage in adventures, showcasing the strength of community bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and contribute to their local community, understanding that collective efforts can achieve great outcomes.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Each character in the book has unique traits and talents, which are celebrated and contribute to their adventures, teaching that differences enrich our experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be proud of what makes them unique and to appreciate the diversity in others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and teamwork
Explanation: The stories involve characters collaborating to tackle challenges, illustrating how teamwork can lead to creative and effective solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork skills in school projects or during play, learning to work with others to solve problems and achieve goals.
Example Lesson: Courage and adventurism
Explanation: As the kids take on adventures, they often face fears and unknowns, showing bravery and a spirit of exploration.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to try new activities, face their own fears, and step out of their comfort zones with confidence.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Through their shared experiences, the characters in the book develop strong bonds of friendship, which provide them support and joy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships and being a supportive friend in their own lives.