The Hungry Mice
Little Windows Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'The Hungry Mice,' a children's tale by Andy Langley, we follow a family of mice living in an old farmhouse. The youngest mouse, Pip, notices their dwindling food supply and the mice venture out to find sustenance. They face challenges, make new friends, and learn lessons about sharing, courage, and family importance. Andy Langley's illustrations bring the characters to life in this heartwarming read for children and parents.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
10 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the mice were feeling when they couldn't find any food?
If you were one of the mice, what would you have done differently?
Why do you think sharing was important in the story?
How did the mice's actions help them solve their problem?
What did you learn from how the mice worked together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child to predict what might happen based on the title and cover of the book.
While reading, pause at key moments to discuss your child's thoughts and feelings about the mice's journey.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part, discussing why they chose that specific scene.
Connect the story to real-life situations by discussing times when your child had to share or work together with others.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience more lively and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Hungry Mice', the mice characters must work together to navigate through the kitchen to find food. Their successful collaboration demonstrates the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the value of teamwork in school projects or sports, learning to cooperate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The story showcases the mice thinking critically and solving puzzles to overcome obstacles in their quest for food. This highlights the utility of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use critical thinking to solve everyday challenges, whether it’s figuring out a math problem or resolving a conflict with a friend.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: Once the mice find the food, they ensure every mouse gets an equal share. This act of sharing teaches the importance of generosity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in a child's life by sharing toys with siblings or classmates, promoting a sense of fairness and empathy.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story also subtly teaches that actions have consequences as the mice face various challenges based on their decisions during their adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think about the outcomes of their actions, which is crucial for their personal development and interactions with others.