Mommy, Where Are You?
What’s inside...
A little mouse named Ozzy wakes up one day and discovers that his mother is missing. He embarks on an adventure to find her, exploring different locations such as behind the fence, down in the meadow, and up in the tree. Throughout his journey, die-cut pages reveal parts of the illustrations that hint at what might come next. In the end, Ozzy discovers that his mother is exactly where she is supposed to be.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Baby Chick
Discussion points
How do you think the little mouse felt when he couldn't find his mommy?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the little mouse?
Why do you think it's important to stay close to family members in unfamiliar places?
How did the other animals in the story help the little mouse?
What do you think is the message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about being lost and finding their way back, just like the little mouse in the story. Use open-ended questions to promote empathy and understanding of the different emotions experienced by the characters. Reinforce the importance of staying close to caregivers in unfamiliar settings and discuss the role of community and helping each other in difficult times.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Separation Anxiety
Explanation: The story depicts a young animal searching for its mother, teaching children that it's normal to feel anxious when separated from loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children can learn strategies to cope with their feelings when they are away from their parents, such as during school hours or extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: As the protagonist continues the search despite obstacles, it teaches children the value of not giving up easily when faced with challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life when they face academic or social challenges, encouraging them to persist and find solutions rather than giving up.
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The book explores various emotions the protagonist experiences, providing an opportunity to discuss feelings and how to express them appropriately.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and articulate their emotions in real-life situations, aiding in emotional development and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the young animal encounters different challenges and must think of ways to overcome them, which showcases problem-solving in action.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques to obstacles they encounter in daily life, such as resolving conflicts with peers or overcoming a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence
Explanation: Successfully finding the mother at the end of the book reinforces the idea that facing fears can lead to positive outcomes, bolstering self-confidence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that confronting scary or new situations can be rewarding, encouraging them to face their own fears with confidence.