Me and My Big Mouse
Sprinters Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
George is always in trouble, big, huge, dreadful trouble and it doesn't come any bigger, more huge or dreadful than when his pet mouse, Mr Squeaks, gets soaked in old Mrs Greenfingers' Growfast Ultra! George often gets into trouble. Big trouble. But one day, when his pet mouse gets into the garden shed and gets soaked in Old Mrs Greenfinger's Growfast Ultra, he's in more trouble than ever before. So is the whole town, because George's pet mouse is rapidly growing to GIANT size. And there's a cheese festival taking place in the park..! A funny, action-packed story for younger children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character feels about their big mouse friend?
What would you do if you had a big mouse as a friend?
Can you think of a time when you had a funny or unusual situation with a friend? How did you handle it?
What does this story teach us about friendship and accepting differences?
How did the story’s ending make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading session more lively and engaging.
Pause at key moments in the story to let your child predict what might happen next, aiding their problem-solving skills.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their own imaginary friend and discuss what makes their friend special, linking back to the story’s theme of friendship and acceptance.
Reflect together on the story's moments of humor and ask your child what part they found the most amusing, enhancing their ability to understand and express emotions.
Revisit the story on multiple occasions and discuss any new insights or feelings your child might have as they grow and experience new friendships of their own.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: In 'Me and My Big Mouse', the child learns to accept and appreciate the big mouse's unique traits, despite it being unlike the smaller mice.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing the diversity among peers, understanding and valuing everyone's differences in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The book showcases the development of a strong bond between the child and the big mouse, highlighting the support and joy found in friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to foster meaningful relationships and be supportive friends in school or playgroups.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the child and the big mouse encounter various challenges that they need to solve together, promoting teamwork and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these depicted problem-solving abilities to navigate challenges and conflicts in their own lives, whether in academic settings or personal scenarios.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The child shows empathy towards the big mouse's initial struggles to fit in, which teaches the importance of understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, helping them build stronger, more understanding relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Courage to Be Oneself
Explanation: Despite its differences, the big mouse learns to be proud of who it is, thanks to the support of its friend, the child.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children gain confidence in their unique traits and encourages them to proudly be themselves in various social settings.