Secrets and Sidekicks: Katie the Catsitter
#3 of 4 in Katie the Catsitter Series
What’s inside...
Still training to be a sidekick, Katie protects the city against mysterious robot attacks--while trying not to feel like an outsider within her own friend group. Calling all graphic novel fans! Get ready for sidekick training (and friendship drama!) with Katie the Catsitter in book 3 of the purr-fectly irresistible, bestselling middle-grade graphic novel series about growing up, friendship, heroes, and cats (lots of cats)! 'Readers will revel in the heroic antics.'
Character compass
Katie
Ms. Lang
Discussion points
What do you think are the qualities that make someone a good friend, like Katie and her friends in the book?
How would you handle a situation where you had to keep a big secret from your friends?
What did you learn about taking care of animals from Katie’s experience with the superhero cats?
If you had a superpower like one of the cats, what would it be and why?
How do you think Katie changed from the beginning of the book to the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their personal experiences with those of Katie, discussing similarities and differences to deepen their connection with the story.
Ask open-ended questions that allow your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the characters’ actions and decisions.
Relate themes from the book to real-life lessons about friendship, responsibility, and courage to help your child apply these ideas in their own life.
Use the superpower aspect of the story to ignite your child’s imagination, discussing how everyday challenges might be handled with such powers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Katie takes on the responsibility of caring for her neighbor’s 217 cats, demonstrating the importance of being reliable and trustworthy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be responsible by taking care of their own pets or helping with household chores.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Katie encounters various challenges and learns to solve them creatively, which underscores the value of thinking critically and innovatively.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach problems in school or in their personal lives with a problem-solving mindset.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story explores Katie's relationships with peers and the cats, highlighting themes of trust, support, and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of building strong, supportive friendships and working together to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Katie shows bravery in various situations, teaching children the importance of facing fears and standing up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to act bravely in their own lives, whether it's trying new activities or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Katie learns to understand and empathize with the cats’ needs and feelings, which fosters a sense of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and respect the feelings and perspectives of others around them.