Letters from a Mouse
Glam Prix Racers Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
A mystery story, told entirely in letter form, about a mouse who works at Hayes Bros Ltd office supplies and is asked for a bag big enough to hold 500,000 in unmarked 5 pound notes. The narrator, S. Mouse, finds themselves in trouble and suspects something suspicious is going on. The reader follows the lively letters, trying to solve the mystery and crack the case while staying one step ahead of the narrator.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the mouse felt when he wrote his first letter?
If you could write a letter to any animal, who would you write to and what would you say?
How do you think the story would change if it was a different animal writing letters?
Why is it important to share our thoughts and feelings with others, like the mouse does?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better with your words, just like the mouse?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the importance of communication, highlighting how the mouse shares his feelings through letters.
Encourage your child to relate to the mouse by discussing times they have communicated their feelings through writing or drawing.
Use the book as an opportunity to introduce the concept of empathy. Discuss how the mouse's letters might affect the other characters' feelings.
After reading, consider creating a mailbox at home where your child can 'send' letters to family members or imaginary friends, reinforcing the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Letters from a Mouse', the mouse character writes letters expressing its feelings and experiences. Through these letters, children learn about the mouse's perspective and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing and respecting the feelings and perspectives of others, fostering empathy and compassion in real-life interactions.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Communication
Explanation: The story uses the mouse’s letters as a primary form of communication. It shows how the mouse resolves issues and connects with others through writing.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express themselves and communicate effectively, whether orally or in writing, to better interact with people around them.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the mouse faces various obstacles and uses its wit and resources to find solutions. The process is illustrated in a way that children can understand and learn from.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to approach their problems methodically and creatively, using the mouse's experiences as a guide for tackling challenges in school or at play.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The mouse's journey is not without setbacks, but it keeps striving to achieve its goals, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving their goals despite difficulties, applicable in their studies, hobbies, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: As the mouse travels and writes letters, it encounters different environments and characters, introducing children to diverse ways of life.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be open-minded and curious about different cultures and lifestyles, promoting inclusivity and respect in their daily interactions.