Christopher Mouse: The Tale of a Small Traveler
What’s inside...
After being sold to an unscrupulous pet store owner, a young mouse lives with several owners and has many adventures, before ending up with an appreciative family. With the delightful feel of a lost (and found) classic, this is the story of a rather extraordinary mouse who, through the force of will, and indeed, good luck, finds his own small way in a very large world. Though his life begins 'in a commonplace way,' Christopher Mouse is not the least bit common. From his birth in an ordinary wire cage, to his various young owners who range from bad to worse, his escape from a youthful taxidermist, and finally his close encounter with a large cat in the Egyptian room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Christopher proves an adventurer of the most intrepid sort - and a budding poet as well.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions do you think Christopher Mouse felt during his adventures? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
Why is friendship important in the story and how does it help Christopher on his journey?
How do Christopher’s experiences with different owners teach him about trust and resilience?
What would you have done differently if you were in Christopher’s place during one of his challenging moments?
How do you think the story would change if Christopher was a different kind of animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the story, helping your child connect on a deeper level with Christopher’s experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Christopher's situations, discussing possible choices and outcomes.
Discuss the significance of teamwork and support in the book, relating it to your child’s own experiences with friends and family.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book. Discuss what's happening in their drawing and how it relates to the story’s themes.
Create a fun role-play activity where you and your child take turns being Christopher and encounter different adventures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Christopher Mouse demonstrates resilience as he faces various challenges, from being sold at a pet shop to navigating different environments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt and stay strong in the face of new situations or difficulties in school or with friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story portrays Christopher's understanding and compassion towards other characters, even when they are different from him.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understand the feelings of others around them, whether peers or pets.
Example Lesson: Adventure and curiosity
Explanation: Christopher's journey is full of exploration and curiosity, inspiring readers to see the world around them with wonder.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and learn from their environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and home
Explanation: Through his adventures, Christopher always holds a desire to return to the safety and love of home, teaching the importance of family.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate their home life and the support system their family provides.