In Here Comes the Cat, one determined
mouse takes a hot air balloon to travel over a countryside, over
a beach, under
a sea and through a city. His words are few but his actions are courageous
and kind. The philosophical topics for dicussion cover morality
or ethics,
love, friendship, and kindness, aesthetics (art) and social and political
issues like prejudice. For example, the big fish helps the mouse
after
he falls off the hot air balloon. This idea relates to what it means
to have a friend - to be a kind and caring person in a
community. The mice work together so that everyone in the village is
fed. Do they do this out of love for one another, out of necessity,
out of commitment, or out of love?
The creative pictures depict an environment that is
aesthetically appealing with lady bugs, butterflies and ducks that
greet
one another. By noticing the details of the artwork, children will
become stronger observers.
The child will be introduced to social and political
issues like assumptions that may lead to prejudice. The questions
will
have the children ponder about what is going on in the different scenes.
Are the mice afraid, excited, bored, or curious? Are the mice hungry
or hard at work? Part of the discussion will look at personal
assumptions and prejudices we have of others and what is behind
these
feelings which cause us to stereotype. What is expected of a cat or
a mouse? Does there always have to be a violent reaction
to
conflict?
Through discussion, the children will gain a deeper
understanding of friendship, assumptions, and prejudcies. They will
begin to see how trust in themselves and others, participating in acts
of giving and receiving instead of attacking, can have significant
benefits
for both parties involved. The children might notice that an interaction
based upon love and peace instead of fear and distrust is transformative
and healthier. The cat walking into the mouse community, carrying cheese
is a powerful statement that peace in every day interactions is
possible.
Continue
to question set for this story
