If You Give a Mouse a Brownie
#9 of 19 in If You Give... Series
What’s inside...
Mouse is back in the ninth picture book of the beloved 'If You Give...' series, titled 'If You Give a Mouse a Brownie'. In this delightful story, Mouse's request for a brownie leads to a series of whimsical events, culminating in him wanting to start a band. Written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond, this book is a joyful continuation of Mouse's adventures that began with 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' in 1985. It's an ideal read for children aged 4-8, perfect for beginning readers and sure to inspire both laughter and repeated readings.
Character compass
Mouse
Boy
Discussion points
What do you think the mouse will do next after getting a brownie?
How do you feel when you share your things with friends, like the boy shares with the mouse?
What are some ways we can be kind to our friends?
Why do you think the mouse keeps asking for more things?
Can you think of a time when you wanted to help someone, just like the boy helps the mouse?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, changing your voice for the mouse and the boy can make the story more engaging for your child.
Relate the mouse's requests to experiences in your child’s own life to make the themes more relatable.
Pause after each new request the mouse makes to ask your child what they think might happen next, fostering prediction skills.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Discuss the importance of kindness and sharing after reading, drawing parallels between the story and your child’s interactions with others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cause and effect relationships
Explanation: The story illustrates a sequence of events triggered by giving a mouse a brownie, showing how one action can lead to another.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by predicting outcomes of their actions, aiding in decision-making and problem-solving in everyday scenarios.
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: Through the mouse's interactions and requests after receiving a brownie, the value of sharing is depicted in a fun and engaging way.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to share their possessions with friends and family, fostering better relationships and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Understanding hospitality
Explanation: As the mouse asks for various things, the host continues to fulfill the requests, demonstrating kindness and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace the idea of being gracious hosts and thoughtful guests in social settings, reflecting kindness and courtesy.
Example Lesson: Consequences of indulgence
Explanation: The continuous chain of requests by the mouse showcases the potential consequences of indulgence and wanting more.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the concept of moderation and the potential downsides of overindulgence in real-life situations.