Library Mouse: A Friend's Tale
#2 of 5 in Library Mouse Series
on Goodreads (698)
What’s inside...
Chinese edition of Library Mouse revolves around a shy mouse who takes refuge in a library. As a passionate writer and illustrator, he creates his own tales and discreetly places his books on the shelves for children to discover. The captivating stories draw the attention of young readers who become eager to meet the author. Meanwhile, in a parallel narrative, a boy named Tom is unable to find a partner for a book-making project. His search leads him to the library mouse's secret hideout. As Tom and the library mouse, Sam, begin to collaborate, the challenge arises of whether they can work together without revealing Sam's secret identity. Both narratives explore themes of creativity, collaboration, and the joy of sharing literary works. Celebrated writer and illustrator Daniel Kirk skillfully portrays these themes through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations in this heartwarming tale.
Discussion points
How do you think Sam felt when he met Sarah? Can you share a time when you made a new friend?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story? What are some ways you help your friends or family?
What did Sam and Sarah learn from each other? How do you learn from your friends?
Can you imagine creating your own book like Sam and Sarah? What story would you like to tell?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, changing your voice for Sam and Sarah to spark your child’s interest.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write their own short story inspired by Sam’s and Sarah’s adventures.
Discuss the theme of friendship and collaboration. Relate it to your child’s experiences by asking about their friends and teamwork scenarios.
Encourage your child to think about the different emotions characters might be feeling in the story and relate those back to their own feelings in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Library Mouse: A Friend's Tale,' the protagonist helps a new character, a frightened mouse, navigate through the challenges of making friends.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the value of friendship and learning how to support and be kind to newcomers in their schools or neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: Courage to try new things
Explanation: The story highlights how the characters venture out of their comfort zones to explore new parts of the library, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be adventurous and open to exploring new activities or subjects that interest them.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression through writing
Explanation: The library mouse shares his love for writing with his new friend, showing how they can create stories together.
Real-World Application: Kids are reminded of the joy of writing and storytelling, which can improve their literacy skills and allow them to express their thoughts and emotions creatively.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters in the book learn to understand each other’s fears and help one another overcome them.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to be empathetic to the feelings of others and to aid friends in dealing with their fears and challenges.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and teamwork
Explanation: By working together, the characters in the book achieve more than they could alone, emphasizing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects, sports, or family activities, fostering a spirit of teamwork among children.