The Story of Tantrum O'Furrily
What’s inside...
One wild and windy night, a stray cat named Tantrum O'Furrily and her three kittens are dancing across the rooftops. As the kittens doubt the power of stories to ease their hunger, they soon discover that stories can be powerful and that courage may lead them to a saucer of milk. The book is written by Cressida Cowell, known for the 'How to Train Your Dragon' series, and features beautiful illustrations by Mark Nicholas, winner of the Carmelite Prize.
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tantrum O'furrily
Discussion points
Why do you think Tantrum O'Furrily was acting out, and what could she have done differently?
What does this story teach us about bravery and independence?
How did Tantrum's feelings change throughout the book, and why do you think they changed?
What would you do if you were in Tantrum's situation?
How can we help someone who is feeling scared or alone like Tantrum?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when discussing Tantrum's behavior and choices, allowing the child to explore emotions without judgment.
Relate the story to real-life situations your child might encounter, guiding them to make connections and apply the lessons learned.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different actions the characters could have taken, fostering creative thinking and empathy.
Praise their insights and thoughts, reinforcing their confidence and ability to analyze stories critically.
Highlight the moral lessons subtly without preaching, guiding them to understand the values being communicated.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, a stray cat named Tantrum O'Furrily, shows resilience by facing various challenges courageously.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist and overcome difficulties in their own lives, understanding that challenges can be met with strength and perseverance.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Tantrum O'Furrily creatively thinks of stories to tell her kittens, illustrating the power of imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in storytelling or problem-solving, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of family and looking out for one another, as Tantrum takes care of her kittens.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of family support and unity, promoting strong relationships within their own families.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Tantrum demonstrates courage throughout the story, especially when confronted with danger while protecting her kittens.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being brave when facing fears and standing up for themselves and others in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Self-worth
Explanation: Despite being a stray, Tantrum O'Furrily carries herself with dignity, imparting a sense of self-worth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value themselves regardless of external circumstances, boosting their self-esteem and self-respect.