Trio: The Tale of a Three-legged Cat
Trio may have one less leg than his siblings, but he is full of heart and has a desire for adventure. Within the first few pages of the story, readers can see that Trio loves to pounce, sneak, and mingle with the chickens on the farm where he lives. When his playful curiosity leads him to take a cozy nap in a nesting box, he discovers a chicken’s egg that is about to hatch! His watching and waiting is worth the effort when the shell breaks away and a new friend is found.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Children will be drawn in by the detailed linocut (prints made from designs cut into linoleum) illustrations on each page of this book, and will notice new things upon re-reading. Ask children to think about life on a farm. What tools and objects do they see on each page, and what might their uses be? List the ways Trio problem solves to enjoy the farm as he pleases. Children might enjoy counting the chickens and learning more about their behaviors. Discuss new vocabulary such as “testy” and “approve” to help children understand how the chickens in the book might be feeling. If possible, extend pretend play props to include farm animals, nesting box materials, play eggs, and candy bugs to eat.
While reading this story, families can talk with children about the differences but also the similarities they see among Trio and his siblings, the kittens and the chickens, and Trio and Uno. This discussion can be extended to talk about the differences and similarities among family members and friends as well. Most times when there are differences, there are also many similarities. At the end of the story, there is a wonderful surprise, as readers learn that part of the story is true! This provides another opportunity to talk about how the story in the book and the true story are different in some ways, yet alike in others. a