The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse (Little Board Books): 1
Usborne little board books Series
What’s inside...
Tom Town Mouse is off to visit his cousin, Cora, in the country. 'It will be great!' says his friend, but Tom is not so sure. A charming retelling of the classic Aesop's Fable, with endearing illustrations by John Joven. With free online audio to listen to the story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
22 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Country Mouse
Town Mouse
Discussion points
What do you think are the biggest differences between the town mouse and the country mouse's lifestyles?
How do you think the country mouse felt when he visited the town?
Why do you think the town mouse decided to visit the country?
What are some things that both mice enjoyed together?
If you were a mouse, would you prefer living in the town or the country? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each mouse's preference for their home environment. Ask them to relate it to their own favorite places. Highlight the value of experiencing and respecting different ways of life. Use the contrasting settings in the story to discuss the benefits and challenges of both rural and urban living. Lastly, emphasize the theme of friendship despite differences, and how the mice remained friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciating different lifestyles
Explanation: The story contrasts the simple, peaceful life of the Country Mouse with the luxurious, yet dangerous life of the Town Mouse, teaching children that different environments suit different individuals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and appreciate the diversity in living situations and preferences of others around them, understanding that everyone's choice of lifestyle is valid.
Example Lesson: Understanding contentment and gratitude
Explanation: The Country Mouse realizes that he prefers his humble but safe country life over the lavish but risky town life, demonstrating the value of being content with what one has.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to find happiness in their own circumstances and be grateful for the safety and security that their home environment offers.
Example Lesson: Recognizing the importance of safety
Explanation: Throughout the tale, the Country Mouse encounters various dangers in the town which underscore the importance of being in a safe environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the safety of their home and understand why certain rules or limitations are placed by their caregivers for their well-being.
Example Lesson: Evaluating risk versus reward
Explanation: The Town Mouse enjoys luxurious food at the risk of being caught or harmed, showing that some rewards come with significant risks.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to weigh the consequences of their decisions and think critically about whether something is worth the risk.