To Be A Cat
on Goodreads (2,163)
What’s inside...
Barney Willow thinks life couldn't get any worse. He's weedy, with sticky-out ears. Horrible Gavin Needle loves tormenting him - Barney has no idea why. And headteacher-from-hell Miss Whipmire seems determined to make every second of Barney's existence a complete misery! Worst of all, Dad has been missing for almost a year, and there's no sign of him ever coming home. Barney just wants to escape. To find another life... Being a cat, for example. A quiet, lazy cat. Things would be so much easier - right? Barney's about to discover just how wrong he is. Because he's about to wake up as a cat - and not just any cat. Gavin Needle's cat... A fast, exciting story from the winner of the Gold Smarties Award, with illustrations from the brilliantly dark and mischievous Pete Williamson.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Barney felt when he woke up as a cat, and what would you do if you woke up as your favorite animal?
What are some differences between Barney's life as a human and his life as a cat? Which do you think is better and why?
What does this story teach us about being grateful for what we have?
Barney learned a lot about himself through his adventure. What are some important qualities you have learned about yourself?
If you could change into any animal for a day, which one would you choose and what lessons do you think you'd learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones when discussing Barney's emotions to help your child understand and connect with his feelings.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Barney’s place, enhancing empathy and perspective-taking.
Point out parts of the story where Barney learns something about himself, and ask your child if they have had similar experiences.
After reading, together list the pros and cons of being human versus being a cat, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'To Be A Cat', the protagonist Barney’s experiences as a cat help him understand the challenges and feelings of others, fostering a deep sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others’ shoes, understanding that everyone has their own struggles and feelings, which can improve their interactions and relationships.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of self
Explanation: Throughout the book, Barney learns to appreciate his own life despite its imperfections, understanding that everyone's life has its own challenges.
Real-World Application: This story can help children feel more content with their own circumstances and encourage self-acceptance.
Example Lesson: The consequences of envy
Explanation: Barney's initial envy of cats leads him to a difficult situation, which teaches him that envying others can have unintended consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of being grateful for what they have, rather than envying others for what they possess.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: Barney shows courage and resilience as he navigates his life as a cat and finds a way back to being human.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave and persistent in facing their own challenges in life.
Example Lesson: Understanding change
Explanation: The transformation from human to cat and back teaches Barney to cope with unexpected changes in life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that change is a part of life and developing adaptability is essential.