The Rat and the Tiger
on Goodreads (134)
What’s inside...
In his friendship with Rat, Tiger takes advantage and plays the bully because of his greater size, but one day Rat stands up for his rights.
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rat
Tiger
Discussion points
Why do you think the Tiger always makes the decisions for the Rat?
What would you have done if you were the Rat and wanted to share your opinions?
Have you ever had a friend who was bossy? How did that make you feel?
What do you think is the best way to treat your friends?
Do you think the Tiger learned something by the end of the story? What was it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider the feelings of both the Rat and the Tiger by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of friendship and respect, highlighting how each character might improve their behavior.
Use examples from the child's own experiences with friends to draw parallels to the story, making it more relatable and sparking deeper insights.
Talk about the significance of standing up for oneself and expressing feelings and opinions politely and confidently.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Fairness
Explanation: In 'The Rat and the Tiger,' the rat often feels overpowered by the tiger who takes advantage of his strength. The rat learns to assert himself, teaching the tiger about fairness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their size or strength, fostering a sense of justice in interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, despite the challenges, the rat and the tiger realize the value of their friendship. This resolution teaches children about resolving conflicts and cherishing friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to work through disagreements with their friends and appreciate diverse perspectives, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Up for Oneself
Explanation: The rat shows bravery by standing up to the tiger when he feels mistreated. This pivotal moment is a powerful example of self-advocacy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of speaking up for themselves when they feel unfairly treated, urging them to be confident and assertive in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Selfishness
Explanation: The tiger initially acts selfishly, which harms his relationship with the rat. The story demonstrates the negative effects of selfish behavior.
Real-World Application: Kids can see how selfishness can impact friendships and learn to act with generosity and consideration toward others, fostering healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Compromise
Explanation: As the story unfolds, both the rat and the tiger learn to compromise, which helps them maintain their friendship. This lesson highlights the benefits of give and take in relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of compromise in resolving conflicts, promoting harmony and understanding in their interactions.