Something on the Hill
What’s inside...
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with this picture book that follows a small field mouse as she rallies the larger woodland animals to join her on a journey up a hill, sensing that something is about to happen at the top. What could it be?! When Field Mouse wakes from her nap, the air is no longer chilly, and she feels like there's something has changed. Something is out there, calling to her.... Something is on the Hill. She spots her friend, Squirrel. 'Help me find the Something,' Mouse tells him. And so the two scamper through a clearing. Soon, they spot Doe. 'Where are you hurrying today?' Doe asks them. 'We're going to the Hill,' says Mouse. And so it goes, as Turtle, the Ducks, and the Bears join the group, all making their way to the Something on the Hill. As they climb to the tippy-top, this parade of animals will discover just what that Something is: a leaf shoot, tiny and green. Just in time for spring comes this delightful picture book--perfect for storytime--that reminds us that the smallest of things can matter just as much as the big ones.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the hill symbolizes in the story?
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the book?
Which part of the adventure would you like to experience yourself and why?
What lessons do you think the main character learned by the end of the story?
How would you have reacted if you were in a similar situation as the protagonist?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, affirming all responses to foster open communication.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s interpretation of the book, such as asking why they think a character acted a certain way.
Relate the themes or situations in 'Something on the Hill' to your child's own experiences to make the conversation more personal and meaningful.
Discuss the decisions made by characters in the book and ask your child what they would have done differently in those situations.
End the discussion by asking your child to draw a scene or write a short passage about their favorite part of the story, extending their engagement with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The main characters venture up the hill to discover what lies beyond their familiar surroundings, showcasing their curiosity and desire to explore.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore new areas in their surroundings, ask questions, and learn about different environments.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The characters work together to climb the hill and overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s life by collaborating with friends or classmates on projects or in play, teaching the value of cooperation and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: Embarking on an unfamiliar path up the hill, the characters demonstrate bravery in the face of uncertainty.
Real-World Application: Children are often faced with new challenges and environments. This story encourages them to embrace these situations with courage and an open mind.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters express admiration and respect for the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: This can foster a child’s understanding and respect for nature, promoting activities such as gardening, recycling, and conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Joy of Discovery
Explanation: The delight and excitement from discovering the hilltop views underscore the joy of discovering something new.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to engage in discovery-based learning, whether it’s through reading new books, experimenting in science, or exploring arts and crafts.