About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels unfairly treated by household rules or is tempted to stomp off after being told 'no.' It is a comforting tool for navigating those first brushes with accountability and the realization that chores or health choices are part of being in a family. The story follows Hamish, a pampered cat who decides to leave home after his owners put him on a diet to encourage his mouse-catching duties. As he wanders the seaside, he discovers that life on his own is far less cozy than the life he left behind. It is a gentle, humorous way to discuss why parents set boundaries and how home is defined by more than just what is on the dinner plate. Perfect for ages 4 to 8, this classic tale reinforces that while rules can be annoying, they are often born out of love and shared responsibility.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The approach is metaphorical and secular. The 'running away' is handled with a light, whimsical touch. The resolution is hopeful and realistic: Hamish returns home, and while the rules haven't necessarily disappeared, his perspective on them has changed.
