The Big House and the Little House
What’s inside...
Little Mouse and Big Bear live on opposite ends of the same road, and they both would like a friend. But every morning, Little Mouse and Big Bear pass by each other, unnoticed. Until one day, their eyes meet! It's a little awkward at first—as most new friendships can be—but soon enough they're sipping warm tea together in Big Bear's cozy home, and making plans to meet again the following Sunday. When a nasty storm blows into town will it wreck everything they've built? This tale of friendship and bravery will warm your heart like a cookie and a warm drink shared with a friend.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the mouse felt when he found the little house?
Why do you think it's important for the bear and the mouse to be friends?
What can we learn from the bear and mouse sharing their homes?
How did the big house and the little house differ? What do those differences tell us about the characters?
What would you do if you were the mouse at the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for the bear and the mouse to make the story come alive for your child.
Pause after reading key moments to ask your child what they think might happen next, fostering prediction skills.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child to describe the setting, characters, or key events. This can deepen their understanding and appreciation of the story.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by asking if they have ever felt a similar way as the characters.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, promoting creativity and reinforcing comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: The book highlights the friendship between a big house and a little house who have different characteristics but cherish each other's company.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diversity among peers, recognizing that differences in appearance or background can coexist with friendship and harmony.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the bond between the two houses despite their physical differences, showcasing how they support and keep each other company.
Real-World Application: Promotes the importance of supportive friendships in a child's life, teaching them to be good friends and seek out positive, nurturing relationships.
Example Lesson: Sharing Experiences
Explanation: Both houses share seasons and weather changes together, showing how shared experiences can strengthen relationships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to share their own experiences with friends and family, improving communication skills and emotional connections.
Example Lesson: Embracing Changes
Explanation: The changing seasons around the houses demonstrate adaptability and acceptance of change, especially as they remain steadfast friends throughout.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that change is a natural part of life and can be embraced positively, reinforcing resilience in new situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding Perspective
Explanation: The contrasting sizes of the two houses provide a platform for exploring different perspectives and how everyone sees the world differently.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider various viewpoints and understand that everyone has unique thoughts and feelings, fostering empathy and social awareness.