The Quayside Cat
What’s inside...
Down by the harbour the quayside cat, Jim, comes to talk with Old Tregarn about his days long ago at sea. Inspired by Old Tregarn's tales, Jim longs for his own sea adventure. Before long the two cats have jumped aboard a ship, and so begins Jim's daring adventure at sea . . .
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Nibbles the cat dreams about while at sea?
How do you feel when you meet new people or animals, just like Nibbles met new friends at the docks?
What kind of adventure would you like to go on with Nibbles?
Why is it important to help others, like how the crew helps each other on the ship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice tones and gestures when discussing the adventurous parts to make the story more vivid and engaging.
Ask your child to imagine their own adventures, increasing their connection to Nibbles' journeys.
Encourage drawing or acting out favorite scenes to deepen comprehension and emotional connection.
Validate your child's feelings about meeting new friends or trying new things, linking it back to Nibbles' experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Adventure and Curiosity
Explanation: In 'The Quayside Cat', the cat's exploration of the ship and surroundings ignites a sense of adventure and curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore new environments and learn from them, helping to develop their sense of adventure and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The friendship formed between the cat and the ship’s crew highlights the importance of building relationships and working together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of forming bonds with others, which is essential for social development and teamwork in school or play.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of the unknown
Explanation: The cat displays courage when confronting new and potentially intimidating situations during the journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of bravery when facing unfamiliar situations, promoting confidence and resilience in personal challenges.