The Train Mouse
on Goodreads (89)
What’s inside...
When Nibbles, an inquisitive young mouse, scampers onto a waiting train at the local station, little does he know he is about to be swept along on a cross-country adventure. Nibbles travels across his homeland of Germany, picks up a new friend in Switzerland, samples the delights of French cuisine in Paris and finally ends up as the star performer in a circus in England! But then Nibbles begins to feel homesick. How will one little mouse find his way home again?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Nib, the little mouse, felt like when he discovered the train for the first time?
How do you think meeting new friends on the train changed Nib's journey?
What would you do if you were in Nib's place and found yourself on an adventure?
Why do you think it's important for Nib to have the courage to explore new places?
How did Nib help his new friends and how did they help him in return?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts about Nib's journey and ask your child for their perspective.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between Nib’s experiences and their own, helping them to relate more deeply with the story.
Use expressive questions to explore not just the plot, but also the emotional and moral layers of the story. This deepens understanding and empathy.
Discuss the importance of friendship and bravery as displayed in the book, tying them into real-life scenarios your child might face.
After discussing each question, ask your child how they might incorporate the lessons learned from Nib’s adventure into their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery and Adventure
Explanation: The story of 'The Train Mouse' portrays the main character venturing into unknown territories, overcoming fears and discovering new places.
Real-World Application: Children learn that exploring new activities and places can be exciting, and it’s alright to feel nervous about trying new things.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Trust
Explanation: Throughout his journey, the mouse makes new friends and learns to trust them, showcasing the importance of camaraderie.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children the value of making friends and being a reliable friend in return, fostering trust and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: The mouse uses clever thinking and available resources to navigate challenges during his travels.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think on their feet and use the resources they have at hand to solve problems, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: As the mouse encounters other characters, he learns to understand and share their feelings, which aids in his journey.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be empathetic towards others' emotions and situations, helping them build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, despite challenges, the train mouse continues his journey, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, regardless of the obstacles they face.