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.