The Porcelain Cat
What’s inside...
Rats are gnawing at the sorcerer's books, so he sends his apprentice, Nickon, to fetch a missing ingredient for a spell that will bring his porcelain cat to life. Nickon ventures out on his mission and learns that you can't get something for nothing.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the porcelain cat represents in the story?
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the book?
Why do you think the cat was important to the story?
What would you do if you were in the main character's situation?
How do you think the story would change if the porcelain cat could talk?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, helping them connect emotionally with the characters.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance their creative thinking.
Discuss the symbolism of the porcelain cat and relate it to real-life objects that might hold significance.
Use follow-up questions based on your child's responses to deepen the conversation and keep them engaged.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the story, the porcelain cat learns about the struggles and joys of other characters, showing children how to relate and understand different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being attentive to others' feelings and situations, helping to foster compassion and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the porcelain cat is accompanied by friends who support each other. This highlights the value of having and being a good friend.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and nurture friendships, understanding that cooperation and support strengthen bonds and resolve conflicts.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: As the porcelain cat faces various obstacles, its determination to overcome them teaches resilience and the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face difficulties with courage, emphasizing that persistence can lead to success even in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The porcelain cat's journey is driven by curiosity, leading to new discoveries and experiences, which underlines the benefits of exploring and learning.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and seek knowledge, enhancing their understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters' decisions lead to various outcomes, teaching children that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This can help children think more critically about their choices and consider the potential impact on themselves and others.