"Meet Maya Cat" is a children's book inspired by a real-life cat. It teaches kids of all ages that even though some of us are different, we can all find things in common — and that everyone deserves to be accepted.
"As a school principal, we have been using this book for the last two years to introduce the concept of acceptance and valuing of all students across our early elementary grades. Children love the book and are quick to acknowledge a clear understanding that everyone is important and special, and needs to be valued." - B. Cannon
Many parents and educators use this book to start the conversations about disability with their kids. If you're looking for ways to talk to your kid about disability, these discussion questions can help.
1. What did you learn about Maya from reading her story?
2. What did you like about her?
3. Do you and Maya have anything in common? (For example, Maya likes to eat yummy treats and run and climb on things. Do you?)
4. If Maya was a kid like you, would you be her friend? Why or why not?
5. Maya looks different because of her adorable eyes. Does anything make you different?
6. Sometimes, people have differences that make it harder to do things that other people can do, the way other people do them. These are called disabilities. Some people are Blind, which means they can't see. Some people use a wheelchair or walker to get around. Does someone in your family have a disability?
7. What's your favorite thing about them?
8. What is your favorite thing about you?
