The Railway Cat on the Run
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
This is a brand new story about Alfie, the well-loved railway cat. Alfie is desperate not to miss out on the fun of the regatta, but Leading Railman Hack wants to keep him away. Alfie sneaks in and has to run away as a result.
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled narrative sparks children's imagination.
- Characters exhibit resilience and resourcefulness.
- Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Engaging story fosters a love for reading.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
63 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Railway Cat was feeling when he decided to run away?
Can you imagine how the different places he visited looked like? What details stood out to you?
What would you have done if you met the Railway Cat during his adventure?
Why do you think the Railway Cat decided to return home?
How do you think the Railway Cat’s experiences changed him by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, changing your tone and pace to match the emotions and actions in the book. Ask your child to draw a scene from the book, focusing on details mentioned in the story. This helps deepen their understanding and recall. Encourage your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to develop their analytical thinking. Relate the Railway Cat’s feelings and experiences to your child’s own experiences to personalise the story and enhance empathy. After finishing the book, ask your child how they might end the story differently, encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: In 'The Railway Cat on the Run', the main character faces numerous challenges but perseveres through them all.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing difficulties is part of life, and overcoming them is possible with persistence and courage.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The railway cat forms bonds with other characters, showcasing the importance of friendship and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of building and maintaining positive relationships with their peers.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The railway cat's adventurous spirit leads to new experiences and learnings.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their world, ask questions, and learn from their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist takes ownership of its actions throughout the story, demonstrating accountability.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of accepting responsibility for their actions in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the railway cat encounters various other characters, it learns to understand and share their feelings.
Real-World Application: Instills the ability to empathize with others' emotions and situations, helping to build emotional intelligence.