Cat Jumped In
What’s inside...
When someone leaves the kitchen window open, Cat jumps in! So begins the tale of an outdoor cat who finds his way into a tidy house, wreaking havoc at every turn. That is, until he finds his way in once more--this time into someone's heart. Beautiful, bright watercolors from Caldecott-winning illustrator Emily Arnold McCully nearly spring off the page, buoyed by a playful text that highlights simple prepositions. Preschoolers will delight in Cat's unintended disasters and mess, and the heartwarming story, the product of a pairing of exceptional author and illustrator talents, will charm cat people of any age.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the cat was feeling when it jumped into all those different places?
How do you think the story would change if the cat jumped into different places?
Why do you think the cat decided to jump into those specific places?
What would you have done if you were the cat?
Can you think of a new adventure for the cat? What would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and gestures to mimic the cat’s actions while reading to make the story more vivid and engaging.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. This can help deepen their connection with the story and enhance their understanding of the narrative.
Encourage your child to think about how the cat feels by asking them to describe the cat’s emotions in different parts of the book, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Create a playful 'What if?' game where you and your child imagine what would happen if the cat jumped into other unexpected places.
Discuss the consequences of the cat’s actions with your child to help develop their analytical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: In 'Cat Jumped In', the cat’s adventures around the house demonstrate a natural curiosity and desire to explore. Each page brings a new environment, presenting the cat with challenges and discoveries.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own environments, ask questions, and learn from engaging with the world around them, fostering a sense of discovery and enthusiasm for learning.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As the cat encounters various obstacles, such as tangled yarn or a high shelf, it needs to find creative solutions. These parts of the story highlight the cat’s problem-solving process.
Real-World Application: This mirrors situations children face daily. Understanding the cat’s methods can inspire children to think critically and develop their own problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the book, the cat adapts to different settings and situations it encounters. This showcases its ability to adjust and find comfort even in unfamiliar circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adaptability, which is crucial for coping with change in places like new schools or meeting new friends, thereby reducing anxiety and promoting resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: When the cat interacts with other pets and family members in the house, it learns to be considerate and kind. This aspect of the story emphasizes empathetic behavior.
Real-World Application: By observing these interactions, children can understand the value of empathy and kindness in their relationships with both peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Things
Explanation: The cat finds joy in simple activities such as chasing leaves or lounging in the sunbeams. This part of the narrative celebrates finding happiness in the small, everyday moments.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to appreciate and find joy in simple pleasures of life, cultivating a positive and grateful mindset.