Little Mouse wakes up one morning to a winter wonderland - snow! Poppa Mouse heads out of doors with Little Mouse to enjoy this new playground together. They sled, they skate, they make snow mouse angels and snow forts. Finally they build a special surprise. First Poppa Mouse does each thing to show Little Mouse how, and then Little Mouse learns he can do it too.
"I can do that too! thought Mouse. Twirly, whirly! Mouse glided across the ice too. 'Hooray!' said Poppa."
One of the things I loved most about this book was the representation of the father Mouse spending time with his child, encouraging his child, and teaching his child new things. All too often parents are absent from children's books, or there tends to be a focus on the mother. While mommy's are incredibly important for a child's development from baby, to toddler, to preschooler, we can't overlook the important role a dad plays too. It was also endearing to see the encouragement that Poppa give his little Mouse. For each effort and try is a word of affirmation. How important to remember that part of parenting too!
If you are looking for a book for your child's first snow, or just the first snow of the season, this is a wonderful read that will get you all excited about the white stuff on the ground.
Book for Children Ages: 2 years old to 6 years old
Suggestions for Family Reading: This can be a good book for older children to read to their younger siblings too, especially if they just all came in from playing outdoors. A good teachable moment for parents too to gently show their older children how Poppa Mouse teaches and encourages Little Mouse and how big brothers and sisters can do the same.
Related Discussion Questions:
- Which of the activities that Mouse and Poppa did together have you done before? Which one is your favorite? Why?
- How do you think Mouse felt when first going outside?
- What season of the year does it snow? Is it warm or cold?
- What are the other seasons? Can you think of some activities that you do outside during those seasons?
- Draw a picture of your favorite thing to do in the snow.
- Get bundled up warmly and go outside to try some of the activities in the book. If you do not have a sled, try using a cardboard box or a large garbage bag to slide on instead.
- If you don't have snow, or are not able to go outside and play in it for some other reason, make snow forts and snow man from snow-dough. Make your favorite recipe for homemade playdough, or just buy white from the store. Then mix in some non-colored glitter (i.e. silver or white) to give it that just snowed sparkle. Then create away!
Children's Book Review Rating: 5 Stars - Beautiful Book