A Mouse Called Julian
What’s inside...
Rising star Joe Todd-Stanton brings his unique, modern illustration style to an inversion of the classic Aesop Fable of The Lion and the Mouse. Julian the Mouse learns that having a friend over for dinner can add the perfect dose of variety to his day. When a fox attempts to sneak into Julian's burrow for a meal, it gets stuck in the front door. Despite initial alarm, Julian and the fox share a lovely dinner together and discover a lifelong friendship in each other.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Julian felt when he first met the fox? Have you ever felt the same way when meeting someone new?
What do you think made Julian and the fox become friends despite being so different?
Why do you think the fox didn’t eat Julian when he had the chance?
How did Julian and the fox help each other? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend, or a friend helped you?
What do you think is the most important lesson from Julian’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ actions and decisions. This can lead to a deeper understanding of empathy and friendship.
Ask them to draw parallels between the book and their own life experiences, which can enhance their ability to relate to the story and its message.
Focus on the emotions displayed in the book by both Julian and the fox. Discussing this can help your child enhance their emotional intelligence and vocabulary.
Utilize the story’s context to discuss the themes of fear, trust, and unexpected friendships. This can aid your child in navigating their own social environments.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'A Mouse Called Julian', Julian, a solitary mouse, forms an unlikely friendship with a fox, traditionally his predator. This relationship teaches him the value of companionship.
Real-World Application: Children learn that forming friendships can be rewarding and lead to personal growth, teaching them to be open to relationships with those who are different from themselves.
Example Lesson: Courage in Unexpected Situations
Explanation: Faced with the challenge of the fox inside his home, Julian musters the courage to interact instead of hiding. This pivotal moment highlights the bravery that everyone has within them.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face difficult situations bravely, knowing that they often hold the strength within themselves to overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Julian begins to understand the fox’s perspectives and reasons for his actions, which fosters empathy between the two characters.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathizing with others to understand their feelings and viewpoints, promoting a more inclusive attitude.