Lulu and The Cat in the Bag



Last updated Thursday, December 8, 2022

Author: Hilary McKay
Illustrator: Priscilla Lamont
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 978-0807548042
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2022

Synopsis: When a mysterious bag is left on Lulu's doorstep, the last thing her grandmother expects to be in it is a cat - a huge, neon orange cat. But Lulu knows this cat doesn't mean any harm. In fact, it needs a lovely new home.

Note to readers:
•  The Lulu series involve a 7 yr old girl Lulu and her cousin Mellie who try to save an animal in each adventure

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  This story has tons of great non-literal language. For ex. “A glow-in-the-dark orange cat with eyes like lime-green sweets, fur like a cloud, paws like beanbags, tail like a feather duster”. Ask the students to keep an ear out for more examples.

Vocabulary:

•  Savage: untamed or wild, fierce
•  Irate: very angry, furious
•  Sensible: reasonable, having sound judgment

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Would you open the bag if you heard something snoring inside?
•  How does Nan feel about animals at the beginning of the story? Why did she think something dangerous could be in the bag?
•  Lulu’s friends gave them all kinds of “strange and useless” presents to help them find the cat. What does Nan tell them about having good manners? What do you do or say when you receive a present you are not sure you like? What things would you have given to Lulu to help her find the cat?
•  When Lulu finds the cat in her bedroom, why doesn’t she cuddle it? Lulu says that she finds it easy to think the way an animal does. How do you think the cat felt?

Craft ideas:
•  Pop-up Cat Greeting Card https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6403624460460048/
•  Paper Plate Cat with Moving Eyes Craft https://www.pinterest.com/pin/596375175671571223/
•  Paper Cup Pet Hotel Craft https://www.pinterest.com/pin/652951645964006098/ Imagine you have a pet hotel and a different room for each pet

*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!