Charlie & Mouse
#1 of 6 in Charlie & Mouse Series
What’s inside...
Four hilarious children's stories, two inventive brothers, one irresistible and award-winning beginner chapter book—now in paperback! Join Charlie and Mouse as they talk to lumps, take the neighborhood to a party, sell some rocks, and invent the bedtime banana. With imagination and humor, Laurel Snyder and Emily Hughes paint a lively picture of brotherhood that children will relish in a beginning chapter book format; making this a perfect book for young readers graduating from picture books.
Discussion points
What are some ways Charlie and Mouse show they care about each other in the story?
How do Charlie and Mouse solve problems together? Can you think of a time you solved a problem with your friend or sibling?
Why do you think the brothers wanted to plan a party? How would you plan a special day for our family?
What makes Charlie and Mouse's neighborhood special? What do you like about our neighborhood?
Can you imagine a new adventure for Charlie and Mouse? What would they do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the siblings' relationship, drawing parallels to their own experiences with friends or siblings.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used by Charlie and Mouse, and ask your child how they might handle similar situations.
While talking about the neighborhood party, engage your child in planning a small family activity, using ideas from the book as a guide to understanding organization and teamwork.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the neighborhood or community, then compare it to the one in the book to deepen their connection to the story.
Invite your child to create a continuation or a new story featuring Charlie and Mouse, fostering their creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout 'Charlie & Mouse', the siblings experience various adventures together, showcasing their strong family ties and support for each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of family relationships and how to cultivate bonding and support among siblings and parents in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Charlie and Mouse encounter everyday challenges, like planning a spontaneous neighborhood party. They use critical thinking and teamwork to solve these problems.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these problem-solving techniques in school projects, during playtime with friends, or in family activities, learning how to overcome obstacles creatively and collaboratively.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The characters often engage in imaginative play, turning their everyday environment into exciting adventures.
Real-World Application: This nurtures a child’s imagination and creative thinking, encouraging them to see the world in multiple perspectives and enhance their creative play, storytelling, and ability to think outside the box.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Charlie and Mouse are given small responsibilities, such as planning activities or taking care of each other, which they manage thoughtfully.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of handling responsibilities and being reliable, which can be applied in tasks such as completing homework, household chores, or caring for pets.