The Pennine Mouse
What’s inside...
The Pennine Mouse is a heartwarming story about a little mouse named Pip who embarks on an adventure through the Pennine countryside. Along the way, he meets new friends and overcomes challenges, teaching readers about the importance of courage, friendship, and perseverance. The story was inspired by Michaela's visit to her grandchildren in Alston, England, located in the Pennine mountain range. Encouraged by her grandchildren during their walks to the village school, Michaela decided to write this book and dedicated it to her grandchildren and her late mother, who always believed in the words 'YOU CAN DO IT.'
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Pennine Mouse felt when embarking on its journey?
How do you think helping others made the Pennine Mouse feel?
Why is it important to be kind and helpful like the Pennine Mouse?
What would you have done if you were in the Pennine Mouse's place during its adventure?
How do you think the Pennine Mouse's journey changed him as a character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the Pennine Mouse’s shoes, discussing how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Use expressions and voice modulation to mimic the emotions of the Pennine Mouse during different instances, making the story more lively and engaging.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene, which can lead to a discussion about why they chose that particular moment.
Relate the themes of kindness and bravery in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, helping them apply the lessons learned.
Finish by asking your child to summarize what they learned from the book and what they liked most about the Pennine Mouse’s character.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The Pennine Mouse encounters various challenges on his journey through the Pennine Range, showing determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up when facing difficulties in school or in their personal activities.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Pennine Mouse forms bonds with other characters, illustrating the importance of friendships and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to nurture relationships with their peers and understand the value of helping and being helped in return.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The mouse bravely navigates through unknown territories, facing his fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to confront their own fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, speaking up in class, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey is filled with discoveries about the natural world, showing how curiosity leads to learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings and learn from their experiences, promoting a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The diverse settings and wildlife in the Pennine Range are an integral part of the story, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Real-World Application: This lesson can translate into children becoming more conscious about environmental issues and participating in eco-friendly activities.