Mary and the Mouse, The Mouse and Mary
#1 of 2 in Mary and the Mouse Series
What’s inside...
MARY LIVED IN A BIG HOUSE with a very little mouse. The mouse lived in a little house inside of a very big house, with Mary. Even though Mary has been warned to stay away from mice and Mouse has been warned to steer clear of people, the two can't help but peek at one another. Side by side, they grow up, go to college, get married, and have children of their own—Maria and MouseMouse. And then one day, Maria and MouseMouse do something surprising... something their parents never did. They actually come nose-to-nose and speak to one another! The book 'Mary and the Mouse, The Mouse and Mary' is by Beverly Donofrio, illustrated by Barbara McClintock, who is known for her work in many highly acclaimed New York Times Best Illustrated Books, including Adele & Simon. The book has been translated into Korean by Kim Jeong Hi.
Character compass
Mary
Mouse
Discussion points
How do you think Mary felt when she first saw the mouse? Can you imagine being in her shoes?
What do you think the mouse and Mary learned from each other throughout their friendship?
Why is it important to be kind and understanding towards someone who is different from us?
How did Mary and the mouse communicate without speaking the same language?
What would you do if you found a mouse in your house? Would you act like Mary?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child how they feel about mice or new friends to personalize the conversation.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and those of Mary and the mouse.
Highlight the themes of friendship and understanding, asking your child why these are important.
Use expressive reading to demonstrate the emotions of Mary and the mouse during key scenes.
Discuss the illustrations and how they add depth to the story, asking your child to point out their favorite pictures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship across differences
Explanation: The story illustrates a heartwarming friendship between Mary, a human, and a mouse living in the same house despite their obvious differences.
Real-World Application: Children will learn the value of forming friendships with people who might look or live differently from them, promoting inclusion and empathy from a young age.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Both the characters exhibit curiosity about each other's worlds, leading to exploration and mutual understanding.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the unfamiliar and to seek knowledge and understanding through exploration.
Example Lesson: Respect for privacy and boundaries
Explanation: Mary and the Mouse show regard for each other's living spaces, signaling respect for privacy that is mutual.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of respecting other people's space and privacy, and the value of setting and understanding boundaries.