The Christmas Mouse
on Goodreads (66)
What’s inside...
Ben doesn't care about Christmas and shuns the present little Tim offers him. But on Christmas Eve, Ben cannot sleep. A stranger appears and takes him on a night-time quest to find three people who agree that a candied plum is the best thing in the world. Through this journey, Ben learns the value of friendship and the true meaning of Christmas. By morning, he invites Tim to celebrate Christmas with him, reminiscent of the transformation of Scrooge in Dickens' classic tale. The story, complemented by atmospheric illustrations, makes this a delightful Christmas gift book.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Christmas Mouse felt when he first set out on his adventure?
How did the Christmas Mouse help the other characters in the story, and what does that teach us about kindness?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How do you think the story would change if you were in it?
If you could ask the Christmas Mouse one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the storytelling more dynamic and entertaining.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story to foster creativity and predictive thinking.
Relate the themes of the book, like generosity and courage, to your child’s own experiences to make the book more relevant and engaging.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss their drawing to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Create a cozy reading environment, perhaps with a small snack or under a blanket, to make reading time special and looked forward to.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and generosity
Explanation: In 'The Christmas Mouse', the story emphasizes the actions of a small mouse giving what little he has to help others during Christmas. This act of kindness transforms the festive season for everyone in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own possessions or time to help make someone else's day better, teaching them empathy and compassion towards others.
Example Lesson: Value of courage and bravery
Explanation: The mouse, despite being small and seemingly insignificant, takes bold steps to ensure the happiness of others, showing that courage isn't defined by size or strength.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stand up for what they believe in and take action in situations where they can make a difference, regardless of their own fears or doubts.
Example Lesson: The joy of community and togetherness
Explanation: The book illustrates how the mouse's actions bring together various characters to celebrate, highlighting the warmth and joy found in community gatherings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of participating in community activities and how fostering connections with others can lead to meaningful experiences.