Sylvester, The Mouse with the Musical Ear
What’s inside...
Displaced from his meadow home, a musical mouse finds unusual lodging and a new career.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Sylvester felt when he first discovered his musical ear?
Why do you think music is important to Sylvester?
How do you think the story would change if Sylvester couldn’t hear music?
Can you imagine a different ending for the story? What would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Alter your voice to match the emotions and actions in the story. This helps in making the reading session more engaging and lively.
Relate to personal experiences: After reading, connect the story to your child's personal experiences with music or discovering a unique talent.
Ask predictive questions: While reading, pause and ask your child what they think will happen next, this encourages critical thinking and keeps them engaged.
Encourage creativity: After discussing the book, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of embracing individuality
Explanation: Sylvester, the mouse, discovers his unique talent for recognizing musical notes, which sets him apart from other mice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace their own unique skills and qualities, understanding that these differences make them special.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sylvester faces challenges in convincing others about his musical talent but continues to persevere and eventually succeeds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and support
Explanation: Sylvester receives support from his friends, which plays a key role in his success and happiness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting others and the positive impact that friendship can have on someone's life.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the arts and creativity
Explanation: Sylvester’s story encourages a deeper engagement with music and creative expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and appreciate various forms of art and creativity in their daily lives.