Rastamouse and the Crucial Plan
#1 in Rastamouse Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
All the cheese in Mouseland has been stolen, and the President needs a crucial plan to stop the thief. Rastamouse and his friends band together to solve the mystery of the cheese-snatcher. In 'Rastamouse and the Crucial Plan,' one of the three original picture books that inspired the CBeebies series, we are introduced to Bandulu, a super bad thief with a taste for cheese. He's stolen all the cheese in Mouseland, and Rastamouse devises a plan involving a Cheese Pie Competition to catch him.
Character compass
Rastamouse
Scratchy
Zoomer
President Wensley Dale
Bandulu
Discussion points
What do you think makes Rastamouse a good leader?
How did the characters in the book work together to solve the problem?
Why do you think it's important to help others, like Rastamouse does?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
What would you have done differently if you were in Rastamouse’s shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to the story, emphasizing themes of teamwork and leadership.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to make the story more engaging and entertaining.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book where they felt a strong emotion, and discuss it together.
Create a simple project or game based on the book’s themes, like a 'helping hand' chart that rewards acts of kindness.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book and explore any unfamiliar concepts or words to expand your child's understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Rastamouse and the Crucial Plan,' Rastamouse and his friends work together to solve problems and help their community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or in play, to achieve common goals and build harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem Solving
Explanation: Rastamouse often uses creative thinking and improvisation to navigate challenges, demonstrating that thinking outside the box can be crucial.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to apply creative thinking to overcome obstacles and challenges in their daily activities, fostering a solution-oriented mindset.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Helping Others
Explanation: The characters in the book frequently take on responsibilities to assist others in their community, showcasing the value of help and service.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being responsible and proactive in helping family members, friends, and community, reinforcing altruistic behaviors.
Example Lesson: Importance of Forgiveness
Explanation: Rastamouse often forgives characters who make mistakes, teaching that everyone can deserve a second chance.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the power of forgiveness and encourage them to practice it in their interactions, promoting empathy and compassion.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book highlights a variety of characters from different backgrounds working together harmoniously, emphasizing respect and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and celebrate differences among people, preparing them for respectful coexistence in diverse societies.