THE CAT
IN THE HAT
Amongan, Dezerie
Marcos, Deborah
TITLE OF
THE BOOK
Title of the Story:
DESCRIPTION
Brief Description/Background
The Cat in the Hat is a 1957 children’s
book written and illustrated by
American cartoonist, author, and
animator Theodor Geisel, who
published under the better-known
pseudonym, Dr. Seuss.
Brief Description/Background
Brief Description/Background
Dr. Seuss, pseudonym of Theodor Seuss
Geisel, (born March 2, 1904, Springfield,
Massachusetts, U.S.—died September 24,
1991, La Jolla, California), American writer
and illustrator of immensely popular
children’s books, which were noted for
their nonsense words, playful rhymes, and
unusual creatures.
SUMMARY
Summary
The Cat and the Hat begins as the
narrator and Sally sit glumly in their
house during a storm, absorbed in their
isolation and boredom. Suddenly, they
hear a loud noise, followed by the
appearance of the Cat in the Hat. The Cat
suggests that he entertain Sally and her
brother using his inventory of tricks. The
pet fish intervenes and tells that Cat to
go away before he causes any trouble.
Summary
The Cat taunts the fish, taking it from its
fishbowl and balancing it on top of his
umbrella. The game quickly escalates
from the simple balancing act to an
elaborate performance during which the
Cat teeters atop a ball, stacking himself
with various household objects. He
eventually loses his balance and
everything comes crashing down. The
fish scolds the Cat but is rebuffed again.
Summary
The Cat suggests that he continue
entertaining the children with another
game. Dragging a giant red box into the
house, he releases twin creatures with
childlike proportions, blue hair, and red
jumpsuits. He introduces them as Thing
One and Thing Two. The Things start to
wreak havoc around the house, knocking
down objects, flying kites, and playing with
the new gown of the narrator and Sally’s
mother.
Summary
Their antics are cut short when the fish
sees the children’s mother approaching
the house. Sally’s brother quickly
captures Thing One and Thing Two with
a large net; the Cat, clearly
embarrassed, returns them to their red
crate. He leaves sullenly through the
front door, leaving the fish and the
children to take stock of the
destruction.
Summary
Just before the children’s mother arrives, the
Cat returns atop a huge machine with a number
of protruding appendages that go to work
cleaning up the house. The fish and children
are overjoyed to see the damage reversed just
in time. Just before their mother enters the
house, the Cat bids them farewell and exits.
Their mother asks what they did while she was
gone, and the children don’t answer. The
narrator then turns to the reader and asks,
“What would you do if your mother asked you?”
PURPOSE
OR
MESSAGE
Purpose/Message
Responsible behavior:
The book teaches us responsibility and
consequences of our actions. When the
mischievous Cat arrives, he creates chaos
in the house, but he also takes
responsibility for his actions by cleaning
up the mess before the children's mother
returns.
Purpose/Message
Challenging common rules and
boundaries:
Cat's behavior also encourages children to
defy their own patterns, challenging the
norms of society. It also demonstrates
that while it can be funny to break the
rules, there's a need for responsibility and
cleaning up after yourself.
Purpose/Message
Facing Fear:
The presence of the Fish in the story
represents the voice of caution and fear,
warning the children about the potential
consequences of the Cat's actions. The
question of how to face fears and make
wise choices is underlined in this
element.
REASON
Why this/these literary piece/s be taught to children and
adolescent learners?
There are many reasons for "The Cat in the Hat" to be
used with children and adolescents, given that it provides
a wide range of education, intellectual capabilities as well
as social benefits:
Reading Development: The book uses simple, repetitive
language and rhyming verses, making it an excellent tool
for developing early reading skills in young children. The
engaging and entertaining story encourages children to
read independently and build their confidence as
readers.
Why this/these literary piece/s be taught to children and
adolescent learners?
Language and vocabulary: Dr. Seuss's style of writing
introduces children to new words, unique phrases, and
creative language usage. It can improve the language
skills and comprehension of learners by exposing them to
an abundance of vocabulary when they are young.
Imagination and creativity: The Seussian world of Dr.
Seuss inspires imagination in young people. Children
should be encouraged to think outside of the box and
develop their imagination through reading about fantasy
characters and places.
Why this/these literary piece/s be taught to children and
adolescent learners?
Social and emotional learning: "The Cat in the
Hat" deals with the issue of responsibility and
consequences. It provides opportunities for
discussion on emotions, making decisions and taking
responsibility for actions with a view to promoting
social and emotional learning.