Cat's Got My Tongue!
by
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During lunch, Emma stood in line at the cafeteria, and looked for a place to sit.
Girls talked and giggled at a table nearby.
A mean boy tripped Calvin, a boy from class, and made him drop his tray. “Oh, no!”
He stumbled, and his food flew every which way.
“I want to go home!” cried a redheaded girl.
Wide-eyed, Emma looked around the room.
I don’t want to sit by myself.
What if no one wants to eat with me?
What if no one likes me?
The cat danced on top of the milk machine.
“Hoo, haw!!!” He laughed wildly and waved Emma’s tongue.
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About the Book
A traditional phrase comes to life in this creative story for young children. Learning to overcome self-doubt and silence the pesky critic within are valuable lessons for shy Emma. A grinning cat has captured her tongue and she must find a way to get it back. Set in a suburban elementary school, Cat’s Got My Tongue! follows the adventures of Emma as she takes on the snickering cat. Along the way, she meets other children who each add their personalities to the story: Sarah is a bold, free spirit; Calvin has a playful, resilient nature; and Claire is a sensitive, empathetic child. As the story unfolds, Emma searches for a way to overcome the cat so that she may enjoy the value of friendship from these colorful classmates and find her unique voice.
About the Author
Carolyn Ortiz has a personal and academic interest in childhood shyness. She holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University, and has extensive knowledge of early childhood development. Shy behavior can take many forms. A child may be uncomfortable in new situations, have difficulty making friends, or be timid around adults. If these issues are not addressed early on, the child may suffer later in life. Developing creative strategies to overcome shyness will benefit children, enabling them to lead richer, happier lives.