Phoenix the Cat Makes a Mistake

Phoenix the Cat Makes a Mistake is a funny and encouraging rhyming story about learning, trying again and growing in confidence.

Phoenix wants his homemade rocket to be perfect. But there is too much glue, the tape becomes tangled and everything begins to flop. Frustrated and disappointed, Phoenix starts to believe he cannot do it at all.

With patient support from Owl and his friends, Phoenix discovers that making a mistake does not mean he has failed. A mistake can be a useful clue that helps him pause, look at what happened, ask for help and try a different way.

Through Phoenix’s story, children can learn to:

• Understand that everyone makes mistakes

• Be kinder to themselves when something goes wrong

• Ask for help without feeling ashamed

• Try a different approach when the first one does not work

• Develop resilience and confidence

• See mistakes as part of learning and growing

Warm, reassuring and filled with gentle humour, this story is ideal for children who become frustrated, worry about getting things wrong or struggle with perfectionism.

Pause. Be kind. Look. Ask. Try.

Written by Lisa Birkett.

Digital PDF edition. You may download and print one copy for your own personal use.