Kishkish the Big, Bad Cat

Collins Arabic Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 3 to 11. The series is structured with reference to the learning progression of Arabic at nursery and primary schools researched especially for Collins. This carefully graded approach allows children to build up their reading knowledge of Arabic step by step.

Level 9 books are similar in complexity to level 8, with strong patterns and similar events and episodes. Non-fiction titles use non-fiction tools – including signs, labels, captions and diagrams – where necessary. Single-word spacing is used from level 9 upwards. In addition, very high-frequency words appear consistently without vowel markings. These features will help the students get used to the traditional norms of printed Arabic.

Kishkish the big, bad cat isn’t feeling well. Basil wants to take him to the vet. Kishkish doesn’t want to go, and finds a variety of hiding places to escape. Basil pursues him, getting more and more bedraggled in the process. Finally Basil goes to bed, leaving Kishkish – who is feeling much better – to enjoy a snack.

The humorous illustrations in this funny story show clearly show the mayhem caused by the big, bad Kishkish and provide lots of points for discussion. A storyboard at the end recaps the story.