Miss Hazeltine's Home for Shy and Fearful Cats



Last updated Sunday, August 27, 2017

Author: Alicia Potter
Illustrator: Birgitta Sif
Date of Publication: 2015
ISBN: 0385753349
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2017

Synopsis: Miss Hazeltine is opening a very special school for shy and fearful cats. They come from all over, and Miss Hazeltine gives them lessons in everything, from "Bird Basics" to "How Not to Fear the Broom."

The most timid of all is Crumb. He cowers in a corner. Miss Hazeltine doesn’t mind. But when she gets in trouble and only Crumb knows where she is, will he find his inner courage and lead a daring rescue?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What type of cats does Miss Hazeltine take into her home?
•  Why do you think the cats are shy?
•  What type of cats or pets do you like?

Vocabulary

•  confided - to tell (something that is secret or private) to someone you trust
•  fetch - go for and then bring back (someone or something)
•  throbbing - feel pain in a series of regular beats
•  arched - arch (something) if you arch part of your body, or if it arches, it moves and forms a curved shape. The cat arched its back and hissed
•  streamed - to walk in a line
•  amended - make minor changes in (a text) in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date
•  escorted - a group accompanying another for protection, guidance, or courtesy

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Where is Miss Hazeltine's home?
•  What is Miss Hazeltine afraid of?
•  Who is the most fearful cat?
•  What was Crumb afraid of?
•  What did Crumb and the other cats bring with them to rescue Miss Hazeltine?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a cat mask. Use a paper plate if available or cut out construction paper. Volunteers might need to help by cutting out big holes for the eyes & punch small holes to tie a string or ribbon around. Or you could tape the mask to a craft stick to hold up.
•  Draw a picture of a room with lots of hidden. shy cats &/or playful, brave cats.
•  Check our craft ideas for September on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2017-back-to-school-fun/

Special activities:
•  Make cats sounds, arch your back or walk like a cat.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!