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Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!



Last updated Friday, September 11, 2015

Author: Vicki Myron
Illustrator: Bret Witter
Date of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 0316068748
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2015

Synopsis: The story of Dewey the celebrated library cat is now available for the youngest of readers in this new, fully-illustrated picture book adventure. When Librarian Vicki Myron finds a young kitten abandoned in the Spencer Library return box, she nurses him back to health, deciding then and there that he will be their library cat, and naming him, appropriately, Dewey Readmore Books. Dewey loves his new home, but once he discovers the littlest library visitors-who like to chase him, pull his tail, and squeeze him extra tight-Dewey begins to wonder if he's truly cut out for the demands of his new job. In the end, he is triumphant as he realizes that helping people big and small is what he is meant to do, and that by sharing his special brand of Dewey love, he can be the best library cat of all. (Amazon)

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you think a cat would like to live in a library?
•  Why is the cat named Dewey? (After the Dewey Decimal System which is used in libraries to keep track of the books. It is the numbers on the bottom of the spine/binding of the book)
•  Have you ever been to a library? What did you do there?

Vocabulary

•  Dewey - Dewey Decimal System, is a proprietary library classification system first published in the United States by Melvil Dewey in 1876.
•  demonstrate - 1: to show clearly 2: to prove or make clear by reasoning
•  squirmed - 1. to wriggle or writhe. 2. to feel or display discomfort or distress, as from reproof, embarrassment, pain, etc.
•  perked up - became more cheerful, positive, or active
•  squished - squeezed or crushed together or into a flat mass; squashed

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did Vicki name the kitten "Dewey Readmore Books"?
•  What were some of Dewey's favorite ways to play in the library?
•  What is the best part of the library you visit?
•  How did Dewey help people?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a book shelf using lots of lines & colors. Add titles of your favorites & books you would like to read someday.
•  Draw & cut out a cat & a mouse. Glue yarn for the whiskers & tails. Add to your book shelf drawing.

Special activities:
•  Have the kids demonstrate some of the actions of Dewey as described in the book. Such as, goof around, lounge, perk up, spring into action, wiggle around, drift off.

*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!