The Snow Cat
Winter Animal Stories Series
What’s inside...
From best-selling author Holly Webb comes a heart-warming winter tale just in time for Christmas. Bel feels apprehensive about spending the lead-up to Christmas with her grandma at Lamont House, a sheltered housing complex converted from a grand Victorian home. The mansion is beautiful, but eerie, too with its moving shadows and odd noises. One night, Bel is sure she sees a cat wandering across the grounds, even though no pets are allowed. She follows its footprints through the snow and is transported into the past. There she discovers Charlotte, a Victorian girl her own age.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the snow cat felt when it came to life?
What would you do if you had a magical snow cat as a friend?
Why do you think the snow cat was important to the main character?
How do you think the story would change if the snow cat was a different animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions by asking how they would feel in similar situations as the main character.
Invite your child to imagine their own magical animal friend and describe what adventures they would go on together.
Discuss the significance of companionship and friendship as portrayed through the snow cat and its interactions.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe the scenes and how they enhance the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The main character’s continuous effort to build a snow cat despite challenges showcases the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of continuing to work towards a goal, even when facing obstacles, which is applicable in school projects or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The protagonist uses imaginative thinking to create a snow cat, illustrating how creativity can bring ideas to life.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in play and creative projects, helping them to think innovatively.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Loss
Explanation: The story gently touches on the theme of loss as the snow cat melts, providing a way for children to understand and cope with change and loss in a safe context.
Real-World Application: It helps children grasp the concept of impermanence and teaches them to cope with changes in their lives, such as moving to a new place or losing a pet.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The bond formed with the snow cat symbolizes the importance and value of friendship, even if it's unconventional.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to appreciate and nurture friendships in their lives, understanding the joy and comfort that friends can bring.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Pleasures
Explanation: The story highlights finding joy in simple activities like playing in the snow, which can lead to memorable experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to find happiness in simple, everyday activities, promoting a sense of gratitude and contentment.