Ugly Cat & Pablo
#1 of 2 in Ugly Cat & Pablo Series
What’s inside...
From the 2015 winner of the ALA William C. Morris Award comes a humorous chapter book series about a not-so-attractive cat and his well-dressed mouse friend. Ugly Cat is dying for a paleta, or ice pop, and his friend Pablo is determined to help him get one by scaring a little girl who is enjoying a coconut paleta in the park. Things go horribly wrong when, instead of being scared, the little girl picks Pablo up and declares that he would make a great snack for her pet snake. Oh and there's also the small problem that Ugly Cat may have inadvertently swallowed Pablo in all of the commotion! Ugly Cat and his impeccably dressed mouse friend, Pablo, are an unlikely and dynamic duo who will win young readers over with their ridiculously silly antics and their search for tasty treats.
Character compass
Ugly Cat
Pablo
Discussion points
What do you think Ugly Cat and Pablo learned about friendship during their adventure?
Why do you think it's important to understand how others feel, like how Pablo tries to understand Ugly Cat?
If you were Ugly Cat or Pablo, what would you have done differently in the story?
How did Ugly Cat and Pablo work together to solve their problems? Can you think of a time when you worked with a friend to solve a problem?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the themes of friendship and understanding in 'Ugly Cat & Pablo.' Ask them to relate the characters' adventures to their own experiences with friends. Highlight how the characters' feelings and actions could teach us about cooperation and empathy. Use expressive reading to emphasize emotional moments in the story to enhance understanding of the characters’ feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Ugly Cat and Pablo show the value of sticking together through thick and thin, highlighting how true friends are supportive and face challenges collectively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to nurture and value their friendships, understanding that being a reliable and supportive friend is important in both good and bad times.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The duo encounters various obstacles during their adventures which they overcome through clever thinking and cooperation, demonstrating effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think critically and collaboratively to find solutions to their own obstacles, whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: Ugly Cat and Pablo, despite being very different from each other, show how embracing and celebrating these differences makes their friendship stronger.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to accept and celebrate individual differences among peers, promoting inclusivity and respect in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Humor and Joy
Explanation: The light-hearted and humorous tone of the book shows the positive impact of laughter and joy in building relationships and facing life’s challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach situations with a positive attitude, finding joy and laughter in daily activities and fostering an optimistic outlook.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout their journey, both characters learn to take responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences that follow, shaping their moral compass.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children comprehend the importance of being responsible for their actions and the impact their choices have on themselves and others.