The Mystery of the Missing Cat
#42 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
The book revolves around four children who embark on a thrilling adventure to find their missing cat. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and mysteries that they must solve to find their beloved pet. When the Aldens hear that Mr. Wood's cat Spotzie is missing, they immediately help out by putting up 'LOST CAT' posters and going door-to-door with a photograph of the cat. But along the way, they meet some strange characters, receive frightening phone calls, and even find a cat that looks just like Spotzie - but is it? It seems that the more they search, the more mysterious the mystery becomes!
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Benny Alden
Jessie Alden
Mr. Woods
Discussion points
Why do you think the cat went missing? What clues led to solving the mystery?
How would you describe how the characters felt when the cat was missing? How would you feel?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story? Why?
What did you learn about teamwork from the characters' efforts to find the cat?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the book, using specific details to show your engagement.
Encourage your child to describe the characters and their emotions, relating their feelings to personal experiences when possible.
Ask your child to predict outcomes at different stages in the story. Discuss how their predictions align or differ from the story's events.
Highlight the moral or lesson of the story, and ask your child how they might apply this lesson in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to solve the mystery of the missing cat, demonstrating the importance of cooperation and collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate with others, whether in school projects or in playing team sports, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonists use critical thinking and deductive reasoning to put together clues and uncover the mystery, highlighting the value of logical thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems methodically in real life, enhancing their ability to make rational decisions and solve issues effectively.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters show concern for the missing cat and its owner, teaching children to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply empathy by considering the perspectives and emotions of their peers, which can lead to more harmonious interactions at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The young detectives take it upon themselves to find the cat, showing commitment and accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces the idea that children should take responsibility for their actions and commitments, whether it's taking care of a pet, doing homework, or fulfilling promises.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite challenges, the characters keep searching for the cat, teaching persistence in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persevering through difficult tasks or situations, understanding that not giving up is key to achieving goals.