The Killer Cat Strikes Back
#3 of 6 in The Killer Cat Series
on Goodreads (186)
What’s inside...
'Okay, okay. So stick my head in a holly bush.'
Tuffy knows what he likes. And he doesn't like the 'art' that Ellie's mum brings home from her new classes. So what's a cat to do?
A few scratches here just happen to shred a painting. A nudge there somehow slips a vase off a shelf. Dad hope a horribly lumpy clay pot will be next, but Tuffy's having none of it. The killer cat will go his own sweet way!
Character compass
Tuffy
Dad
Ellie
Mum
Mr. Drags
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Tuffy, the Killer Cat, to behave the way he does?
How do the different characters react to Tuffy's antics? Who do you relate to the most and why?
What are some of the funny moments in the story? Why did they make you laugh?
If you were to write another chapter in the book, what would happen next?
How did the story make you feel about the importance of understanding and forgiveness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own impressions of the book and ask your child to do the same, this sets a conversational tone.
Encourage your child to think about the characters’ perspectives and motives, enhancing their empathy skills.
Laugh together at the funny moments. Sharing a laugh can make the discussion more enjoyable and memorable.
Invite creative thinking by asking your child how they would continue the story, fostering their imagination.
Discuss the themes of understanding and forgiveness, tying them back to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: In 'The Killer Cat Strikes Back,' the protagonist cat learns the hard way that actions have consequences. The mischievous cat realizes the effects of its actions on others throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of considering the outcomes of their actions and taking responsibility for them, fostering a sense of accountability in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates how the cat begins to understand the feelings of the family and other animals it interacts with. This understanding changes the cat’s behavior towards them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to consider other people’s emotions and perspectives, helping them to build stronger, more empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: As the cat faces the consequences of a misadventure, it learns that being truthful is essential. This element is highlighted when the cat confesses to a misdeed.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice honesty and see its importance in maintaining trust and integrity in their friendships and family relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the cat faces various challenges that require creative solutions. This showcases the importance of thinking critically and solving problems.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use problem-solving skills in school tasks or in overcoming personal challenges, enhancing their cognitive development and resilience.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The cat’s journey in the book is filled with mistakes from which it learns and grows. It shows that making mistakes is a natural part of learning.
Real-World Application: Children can be reassured that mistakes are opportunities for learning, not just failures, encouraging them to try new things without fear of imperfection.