The Necessary Cat
on Goodreads (41)
What’s inside...
The Necessary Cat by Nicola Bayley is a beautifully illustrated scrapbook-style album celebrating cats. It features old-fashioned and new cat toys, cat lore, cat facts, and poems by famous poets like Wordsworth, Yeats, and Walter de la Mare. The book also includes interesting tidbits such as the fact that white cats are usually deaf, and that a frightened cat sweats through its feet. This delightful tribute is perfect for cat lovers of all ages.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the cat in the story feel necessary and important?
How do the cat's actions impact the other characters in the book?
If you were a character in the story, how would you interact with the Necessary Cat?
What do you admire most about the Necessary Cat, and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt necessary or important to someone else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Listen actively to their responses and build on their ideas to deepen the conversation. Use the cat's experiences in the book to relate to real-life situations that your child might encounter, making the discussion more relevant to them. Finally, celebrate the attributes that make each of us necessary and valuable in our own unique ways, just like the Necessary Cat in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations of various cats and their environments, the book cultivates a love and appreciation for animals and nature.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe and cherish the natural world around them, whether it be pets at home or wildlife in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The enchanting depictions of the cats in different fantastical settings stimulate creative thinking and imagination in young minds.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage in creative activities such as drawing or storytelling, inspired by the whimsical scenes from the book.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Acceptance
Explanation: The variety of cats shown in the book, each unique in their own way, teaches children to recognize and embrace differences in everyone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can foster inclusivity, encouraging children to be accepting and kind towards diverse peers at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Caring for a cat is subtly depicted, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
Real-World Application: This can translate into children understanding and taking up small responsibilities at home, like feeding or playing with a pet, or helping with chores.
Example Lesson: Observational Skills
Explanation: The detailed illustrations invite readers to notice the minutiae of each image, enhancing observational skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills to their academic and social environments, paying closer attention to details in their studies and interactions.