What Katy Did (Ladybird Children's Classics)
#1 in Carr Family Series
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Katy always planned to do a great many wonderful things but in the end did something she never planned at all. Did you know that in America a grasshopper is sometimes called a katydid because of the noise it makes? Long ago, in 1872, that noise gave Susan Coolidge the idea for a story, and ever since then girls everywhere have loved to read about Katy and her adventures.
Character compass
Katy Carr
Clover Carr
Dr. Carr
Cousin Helen
Aunt Izzie
Discussion points
What do you think Katy learned from her experiences?
How did Katy's relationships with her siblings change throughout the story?
What qualities do you admire in Katy, and why?
If you were in Katy's situation, what would you have done differently?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about Katy’s challenges and triumphs, making parallels to their own life experiences.
Discuss the historical setting of the story and how children’s lives have changed since then.
Highlight Katy’s character development and resilience, prompting your child to think about how they handle adversity.
Ask your child what they think about the decisions Katy makes and explore alternative choices and potential outcomes together.
Use Katy’s different relationships to talk about sibling dynamics and friendship in your child’s own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'What Katy Did', the protagonist Katy shows resilience after an accident that leaves her bedridden. Despite her physical limitations, she strives to remain positive and adaptive.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of perseverance in the face of challenges, understanding that setbacks can be opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Katy develops a deeper sense of empathy as she copes with her own struggles and starts understanding others’ feelings and situations better.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize and respect the feelings of others around them, fostering a more compassionate and empathetic approach in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Katy learns to take accountability for her actions and their consequences, which is a significant part of her maturation process.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking responsibility for their actions in everyday situations, such as being accountable for their homework, chores, and how they treat others.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Katy uses her imagination to make the best of her situation by creating stories and games while confined to her room.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their creativity to solve problems and make the most of any situation, encouraging creative thinking and innovative solutions in daily life.