Mouse Noses On Toast
What’s inside...
When Paul Mouse overhears a customer in a restaurant ordering mouse noses on toast, he initially thinks it's a joke. However, when the waiter confirms the order, Paul realizes it's a serious matter and embarks on an adventure with his friends—Sandra the Christmas tree ornament, Rowley Barker Hobbs, a shaggy sheepdog, and Tinby, a sort of monster—to stop this grotesque human eating habit. Together, they form a group of mouse activists and cheese addicts, campaigning to put an end to mouse noses on toast. This humorous chapter book, filled with quirky characters and funny moments, will entertain young readers and keep them laughing.
Age
8-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the mice love cheese so much?
What would you do if you were Paul discovering mice in your home?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
What are some ways the story shows friendship?
If you could create your own adventure with the mice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being part of the story, asking them how they would interact with the mice and other characters.
Ask your child to think about the underlying messages in the story, such as empathy and cooperation, and how they can apply these in their own life.
Discuss the humorous elements in the book and why they are funny, helping your child to develop an understanding of different types of humor.
Use the book as a starting point to have a conversation about animals and their roles in stories and in real life.
Invite your child to draw their favorite scene or character, then describe why they chose that particular part of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book demonstrates empathy through the protagonist, Paul, who deeply cares about the plight of mice, showing concern for their well-being despite them being considered pests by many.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to acknowledge and respect the feelings of others, including animals, and can be encouraged to show compassion towards all living beings in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Paul faces the challenge of saving the mice and ingeniously comes up with non-violent solutions to help them. This showcases his ability to think critically and solve problems creatively.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and use their creativity to solve problems they encounter, whether at school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Taking Action
Explanation: Paul’s actions in the story highlight the importance of taking initiative and standing up for what one believes in, even if it goes against the norm.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to be proactive about issues they care about, understanding that their actions can make a difference in their community or even broader contexts.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Paul teams up with various characters to accomplish his goals, which underlines the value of working together and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals, stressing the significance of cooperation and mutual respect among peers.