Just Me and My Cousin (Look-Look)
#2 of 89 in Little Critter And The Critter Kids Series
What’s inside...
Mercer Mayer's popular Little Critter is back for another adventure, visiting his cousin for a rowdy day. The day starts well but soon turns into pillow fights, tattle-telling, and overturned checker boards. It's not always easy to be a cousin, and Little Critter is ready to go home. However, his cousin saves the day before it's too late. Mercer Mayer's Little Critter stories, which address major issues of growing up, are perennial favorites to generations of readers of all ages.
Character compass
Little Critter
Little Critter'S Cousin
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they were spending time with their cousin? Can you share a time when you felt that way?
What were some of the fun activities the cousins did together? Which one would you like to try?
Why is it important to have someone you can trust and have fun with, like a cousin or a friend?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the characters?
What do you think makes someone a good friend or cousin?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore the book together, relate the cousins' adventures to experiences your child has had with friends or family members to make the story more relevant and engaging.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by asking them how certain parts made them feel and why.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what’s happening and predict what might happen next, developing their observational and critical thinking skills.
After reading, practice empathy by asking your child how they think the cousins felt during various parts of the book, and why those feelings might have come up.
Point out moments of cooperation and kindness in the story, and discuss with your child the importance of these values in their own relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Family bonds are important
Explanation: The story showcases the adventures and fun that the main character has while spending time with their cousin, emphasizing the joy of family connections.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and cherish the time spent with family members, fostering strong familial relationships from a young age.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The characters encounter and resolve minor conflicts throughout their play, illustrating effective communication and problem-solving among family members.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and cooperatively, skills that are essential in both school and home environments.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters engage in imaginative play, which highlights the value of creativity in everyday activities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity in play, which can enhance cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: As the characters have different opinions and ideas, the story demonstrates how to respect and embrace individual differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson is valuable for children to understand and accept diversity in thoughts and behaviors among peers and family members.