If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Title: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff.

Why I chose it: "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" is a delightful story loved by children for its whimsical narrative, charming illustrations, and humorous chain of events that unfold when a generous boy gives a cookie to a little mouse.

Reading Comprehension Questions:
18 months to 3 years old:

1. What does the mouse want after he eats the cookie?
2. What activities does the mouse engage in throughout the story?
3. How does the story end?

4-7 years old:

1. How does the story show the cause-and-effect relationship between actions
2. Why do you think the boy continues to fulfill the mouse's requests?
3. What lesson do you think the story teaches about helping others and being kind?

Craft idea: Mouse Ears Headband Craft

Materials

• Gray and Pink Construction Paper
• Headband
• Glue Stick
• Scissors
• Markers or Crayons

Instructions:

1. Use the gray construction paper to cut out two large mouse ear shapes.
2. Use the pink construction paper to cut out two smaller inner ear shapes, slightly smaller than the gray ears.
3. Apply glue to the back of the pink inner ear shapes and stick them onto the center of each gray ear shape.
4. Apply glue along the bottom edge of each ear.
5. Place the headband on a flat surface and position the ears where you'd like them to sit on the headband.
6. Press the glued edges of the ears onto the headband firmly and hold them in place for a few seconds to ensure they stick securely.
7. Use a marker or crayon to draw whiskers and a nose on the headband.
8. Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing the mouse ears headband.
9. Once dry, let your little one wear their mouse ears headband and pretend to be a mouse while reading "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" or during playtime.

Snack idea: Mouse Cookies

Ingredients:

• Round vanilla wafer cookies
• Chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Peanut butter or frosting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread a small amount of peanut butter or frosting on the flat side of a vanilla wafer cookie (optional).
2. Press two chocolate chips onto the top of the cookie to create the mouse's eyes.
3. Place a mini marshmallow near the bottom of the cookie to create the mouse's nose.
4. Serve the mouse cookies as a fun and tasty snack for your little ones to enjoy while reading "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" together.

Enjoy the crafting, snacking, and storytelling fun with your little ones and the delightful tale of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"!