The Good Luck Cat
What’s inside...
Some cats are good luck. You pet them and good things happen. Woogie is one of those cats. But as Woogie gets into one mishap after another, everyone starts to worry. Can a good luck cat's good luck run out? The first children's book from an acclaimed poet whose honors include the American Book Award and the William Carlos Williams Award celebrates the special relationship between a young girl and her cat. This modern Native American story from a member of the Muskogee-Creek tribe follows a young girl who worries when her good luck cat, Woogie, who has already used up eight of his nine lives in narrow escapes from disaster, disappears.
Age
1-2
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Child Narrator
Woogie
Discussion points
Why do you think the cat is considered lucky?
How did you feel when something happened to the cat?
What would you do if you had a pet like the cat in the story?
How do you think the story would change if the cat wasn't there?
What does luck mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions in the book, this helps the child connect with the characters.
Ask the child to predict what might happen next in the story, enhancing their analytical thinking.
Relate the theme of luck in the book to personal experiences or family stories involving luck to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage the child to draw or write about their favorite scene, boosting their creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The Good Luck Cat showcases the cat’s ability to overcome various challenges, illustrating how resilience is key to navigating tough situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay strong and keep pushing forward, even when they face difficulties in school or with friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of hope
Explanation: Throughout the book, the cat maintains hope despite obstacles, teaching children that maintaining a positive outlook can lead to good outcomes.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by staying hopeful in seemingly tough situations, such as trying out for a team or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes that the cat never gives up, underscoring the message that perseverance is crucial.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying and not give up easily, whether it's while solving a difficult puzzle or improving in a sport.
Example Lesson: Caring for animals
Explanation: The story highlights how the characters care for the Good Luck Cat, illustrating the importance of being kind and caring toward animals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take responsibility for pets and treat animals with kindness and respect in their daily lives.