Mildred and Sam and Their Babies (I Can Read Level 2)
#2 of 91 in An I can read book Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
Mildred and Sam live in a burrow with their eight baby mice, who grow bigger and bigger each day. Sam thinks the babies are ready for new things. Mildred is worried they are still too little. But the babies have some big dreams of their own as they prepare for their first day of school.
Character compass
Mildred
The Babies
Sam
Discussion points
How do you think Mildred and Sam felt when they found out they were going to have babies?
What are some ways that Mildred and Sam take care of their babies? How can we help take care of each other in our family?
What do you think is the most important thing that the babies learned from their parents?
If you were a friend of Mildred and Sam's babies, what games would you play with them?
How do you think the story would change if Mildred and Sam had different types of animals as their babies?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences with family and friends.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, then describe why they chose that particular scene.
Use the story as an opportunity to discuss the responsibilities and joys of caring for others, drawing parallels to your child's own life.
After reading, engage in a role-play activity where you and your child pretend to be Mildred and Sam taking care of their babies.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking how the story might be different with other animals or settings, enhancing their imaginative and analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mildred and Sam, the mouse parents, demonstrate responsibility by caring for their numerous baby mice, showcasing how important it is to look after others who depend on you.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on age-appropriate tasks such as cleaning up their toys, helping set the table, or taking care of a pet.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mildred and Sam work together to provide for their large family, highlighting the power of cooperation and joint effort.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to cooperate with siblings and classmates in group activities, team sports, or shared household chores, understanding that teamwork often leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Love and Care
Explanation: The tender way Mildred and Sam treat each other and their babies emphasizes the importance of showing affection and care to family members.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express love and kindness to their family members, strengthening emotional bonds and creating a supportive family environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The mouse couple adapts to the challenge of a suddenly expanded family, illustrating the importance of being flexible and adjusting to new situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be open to changes such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member, helping them develop resilience.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Mildred and Sam find creative ways to care for their eight baby mice, teaching resourcefulness in finding solutions when faced with challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think creatively to solve problems they face, whether it's figuring out a difficult homework assignment or resolving a dispute with a friend.