Susanna Leonard Hill has a feature on her blog called Perfect Picture Book Friday. It is a list of “perfect” picture books recommended by all sorts of people. I chose this book because it is a funny book with a great message.
Me and My Big Mouse
By Ethan Long
32 pages – ages 3+
Published by Two Lions on June 17, 2014
Theme/Topic- Friendship / Relationships
Genre- Fiction
Opening and Synopsis- Opening – “This is me, Michael. And this is my big mouse.”
Synopsis – Michael likes his big mouse, Bo, but sometimes, Bo is a big problem. He hates to be left alone, so Bo follows Michael around. Everywhere. So, how can Michael get some free time without hurting his big mouse’s feelings?
Why I liked this book- Michael is a great kid, and he doesn’t want to hurt his friend’s feelings. Bo (the mouse) while nice, can get annoying sometimes and Michael needs a little time without Bo. I like that Bo means well, but he sometimes comes out as over-loving. This book teaches that while you can be friends with someone, sometimes you just need some alone time, too. And even though friends need some alone time, they can still be friends. The illustrations are eye-pleasing and make you laugh out loud. The book is a fun one that I think that kids will really like! I like how Bo is gigantic, not simply “big”.
Activities and Resources-
When I was researching activities for this book I found a bunch of articles saying how important it was for kids to learn its okay to play alone or to be able to play with different groups of friends.
HERE is an article from Parents.com about teaching toddlers to play alone.
I think a good activity would be to have kids try to have play dates with different kids and if one friend is a little too clingy try to have the friend over while other friends are there so the clingy friend can make more friends.
It’s nice in school when teachers pair up different kids to be partners. I know I got to talk to and get to know some kids in my class that way.
Want to learn more? Check out Ethan Long’s website HERE!
To find more Perfect Picture Books please visit Susanna Hill’s blog HERE!
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Categories: Age 1-5, Age 6-9, Perfect Picture Book Friday
It’s always great to add another book to our list about the different facets of friendship – in this case how you can be friends but still want some space sometimes. I love the title – I was expecting a different kind of story from it, but it’s very engaging. And I love that the big mouse is so gigantic! Thanks so much for sharing this one, Erik!
WOW! You saw this one as soon as I posted it! 😀 You’re fast!!! hee hee
I forgot to schedule this one – better late than never right? 🙂
I’m glad you like it! The interior illustrations are really cute too.
Great review. Thank you so much. That looks really funny.
It is funny! 😀
We need to read this one in our house. Thanks for sharing it.
Ha! I wonder why! 😀
Looks like its a fun read. The illustrations a great and that mouse sure is huge! Thanks Erik.
It is a great book! 😀
I have a toy monkey that I like a lot. It tries to come outside with me sometimes. Mom says, “No toys outside. Drop it.” Then my monkey falls out of my mouth.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Is it a big monkey, C? 🙂
Erik
My monkey is perfectly mouth-sized. Not too big at all.
This sounds great for introverts, Erik. I’ve never seen this topic covered before.
It is a great book for anyone! 😀
Ethan Long is great! I’ll have to be sure to check this one out.
It is a great book! 😀
What a creative way to approach this subject. Good suggestion, Erik 🙂
Thanks Ms. Allred! 😀
Yes, I know quite a few kids who might benefit from a reading of this one! Including my Electra child!!! Thanks Erik!!
Ha! Good luck! 😀
Love the theme “everyone needs some space” sometimes. I have not seen this theme in a PB. Great pick. I used to help my daughter with that concept when she was a child.
It is a great theme. 🙂
Even big people still could use some advice about dealing with their big mice!
That is so true! 😀
This looks like a very entertaining book, Erik 🙂 And I especially love the play on words for the title, which I’m guessing inspired the book, right? “Mouse” for “mouth” 😀
I don’t know really. The story isn’t really about a big mouth. But I still like the word play! 😀
Friends are great – but “overloving” friends can be a bit stifling at times. So it’s nice to know how and when to spend time with yourself – and away from constant companionship
You are exactly right! 😀