Loose lace!
What’s inside...
A playful and interactive children's book follows the journey of Max Mouse as he learns to tie his shoelaces. Despite being able to climb trees and ride his bike, Max struggles with shoelaces until he faces a mishap. Through engaging rhymes, lift-the-flap illustrations, and a hands-on bright-red shoelace with a pop-up shoe, the book encourages perseverance and problem-solving skills in a fun and colorful way.
Age
3-7
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the character felt when they couldn't tie their lace?
How did the character's friends help them with the lace?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the character?
Why is it important to keep trying even when something is difficult?
How did the character change by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and gestures to mimic the characters while reading to make the story more lively and relatable.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene, and discuss why they chose that particular moment.
Encourage your child to think about a time they faced a challenge and how they felt before and after overcoming it, relating it back to the character’s experience.
Point out the moral of the story and ask your child how they can apply it in their own life.
Praise the child’s efforts to make connections with the story, boosting their confidence and interest in reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'Loose Lace!', the main character faces the challenge of a loose shoelace, which they must solve on their own. This situation serves as a plot device to showcase the child's decision-making and problem-solving process.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills learned from the book to real-life situations such as tying their shoes, organizing their toys, or dealing with small conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: The story encourages self-reliance, as the protagonist works through the problem without immediate adult intervention, fostering a sense of independence in young readers.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children feel confident in their abilities to handle tasks and make decisions on their own, such as choosing their clothes, completing homework, or making snacks.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'Loose Lace!', the character tries multiple methods to fix the lace, demonstrating determination and perseverance despite initial failures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of continuing to try in the face of difficulties, an applicable skill in learning new subjects at school or in pursuing a new hobby or sport.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The child in the book uses creative thinking to come up with different ways to tie the shoe, highlighting the value of innovative solutions.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to think creatively can be applied in artistic activities, problem-solving, and expressive communication with others.
Example Lesson: Asking for help
Explanation: Ultimately, if the attempts fail, the story shows the importance of asking for help when needed, providing a balanced view of independence and seeking assistance.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that while it's important to try solving problems independently, recognizing when they need help and asking for it is equally crucial.