Goodbye Mousie
What’s inside...
One morning a boy finds that his pet, Mousie, won't wake up. The truth is Mousie has died. At first the boy doesn't believe it. He gets very mad at Mousie for dying, and then he feels very sad. But talking about Mousie, burying Mousie in a special box, and saying good-bye helps this boy begin to feel better about the loss of his beloved pet. Angry and upset when his pet Mousie dies, a little boy learns that it is okay to be mad, and as he prepares to bury Mousie, he discovers that memories and sadness are all part of the grieving process, in a poignant picture book that will help little ones deal with loss. 15,000 first printing.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
Dad
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he found out Mousie was gone?
What are some ways the boy remembered Mousie?
Why is it important to say goodbye to someone we love?
How do we show our feelings when we are sad?
What do you think helps people feel better when they are grieving?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by expressing your own thoughts about Mousie’s story, making it a comfortable space for your child to share their feelings. Encourage your child to think about the emotions depicted in the book, and relate them to their own experiences with loss or saying goodbye. Acknowledge that feeling sad is okay, and discuss healthy ways to express and cope with these emotions. Use the illustrations in the book to point out non-verbal cues of feelings, enhancing emotional literacy. Lastly, create a positive ending by discussing the concept of memories and how they help keep the essence of loved ones alive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Grief
Explanation: The story depicts a young boy coming to terms with the death of his pet mouse, exploring his journey through various stages of grief.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and articulate their feelings when they experience loss, whether it's a pet or a loved one.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Death
Explanation: As the boy in the story says goodbye to his pet, he comprehends the permanence of death in a gentle manner.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the concept of mortality in a safe and comforting environment, preparing them for inevitable life events.
Example Lesson: Expression of Emotions
Explanation: The boy’s open expression of emotions like sadness and confusion models healthy emotional processing for young readers.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it's okay to express their feelings and that dealing with emotions is a natural part of life.
Example Lesson: Coping Mechanisms
Explanation: The book shows the child engaging in a ritual to say goodbye to Mousie, which serves as a coping mechanism to help him deal with his grief.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to find personal ways to process and cope with their emotions during tough times.
Example Lesson: Healing Process
Explanation: The gradual acceptance and calm understanding by the end of the book depict the healing process over time.
Real-World Application: Young readers learn that healing from emotional pain is gradual and that it’s normal to feel better over time, promoting resilience.