The Cat in the Hat: questions to ask and activities to try
A rainy day, two bored children, a cat who won't take no for an answer and a fish who keeps trying. A fun way to talk about making choices, and owning up afterwards.
What age is it for? The Cat in the Hat is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Making choices when no grown-up is watching, and owning up afterwards.
The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Making choices when no grown-up is watching, and owning up afterwards
Read it for fun first. Next time, stop at the very end, when the children wonder whether to tell their mother, and ask what your child would do. There's no single right answer: hearing their reasons matters more.
Why I like this one
The Cat in the Hat is fun because it's chaotic, and that chaos is exactly what makes it a useful book. The children are left alone, something they know they shouldn't do happens, and they have to decide what to say when Mother gets home.
I'd stop at the very last page, where the story asks the reader what they would do, and really ask it. It's one of the few picture books that leaves the choice to the child, and that's worth taking seriously.
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Making choices when no grown-up is watching
- Listening to the little voice that says “maybe not”
- Owning up, and tidying up a mess you helped to make
- Finding fun on a boring, rainy day
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How did Sally and her brother feel at the start, stuck inside?”
- “The fish kept saying no. Why do you think the children didn’t listen?”
- “How did they feel when the house was a mess and their mother was nearly home?”
- “Who tidied up the mess? Who should have?”
- “Should they tell their mother what happened? What would you do?”
- “What could you do on a rainy day that’s fun and doesn’t make a big mess?”
5-minute activities to try together
Fish or Cat?
Describe a few small choices, like jumping on the sofa or sharing a snack. Ask whether each one is a Fish idea or a Cat idea, and why. Swap so your child makes some up too.
A rainy day plan
Make a list together of three things to do on a boring day. Stick it on the fridge, ready for the next rainy afternoon.
Free printables: The Cat in the Hat worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Tiddler (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Tall tales, telling the truth, and imagination
- Age
- 3-6
The Highway Rat (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Taking what isn't yours, greed and learning to share
- Age
- 3-6
Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss)
- Best for
- Trying new foods and new things before deciding you don't like them
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.