Once Upon a Twice (Picture Book)
What’s inside...
A cautionary tale for mice reminiscent of Carroll's Jabberwocky! Out in the open, in the clear, Where any wisenmouse would fear, Jam licks his paw, he grooms an ear, And never hears approaching hisssss . . . What will happen to the brave mouse Jam when he breaks the rules and goes for a moonlit adventure against the advice of the elder mice? Award-winning illustrator Barry Moser has created a dark and vivid mouse world to complement this cautionary tale full of clever nonsense words and rhyming prose that will keep kids on the edge of their seats.
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jam
Discussion points
What do you think the mouse learned during his adventure?
How did you feel when the mouse was in danger?
What would you have done if you were the mouse?
Why is it important to listen and be cautious?
How do you think being brave can sometimes be different from being reckless?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and facial expressions to mimic the emotions in the story, making the reading experience more vivid and engaging.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at several points in the story to keep them actively thinking and engaged.
After reading, relate the cautionary tale to your child’s own experiences to make the lessons from the book more relatable and understandable.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. Discuss the elements in their drawing to understand their perception and interpretation.
Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings about the story, whether they felt scared, excited, or amused, and discuss those emotions openly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Caution and awareness
Explanation: The protagonist, a young mouse named Jam Boy, learns the importance of caution when his curiosity and carelessness lead him into danger.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of listening to warnings and being aware of their surroundings for safety.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: After ignoring the elders' warnings and facing the consequences, Jam Boy understands the value of wisdom from experienced individuals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value advice from parents and teachers, fostering a respect for guidance and a willingness to learn from their own mistakes.
Example Lesson: Bravery and resilience
Explanation: Despite facing a perilous situation, Jam Boy musters the bravery to get himself to safety, demonstrating courage in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being brave doesn’t mean not feeling scared, but rather, dealing with fear constructively and finding solutions during frightening situations.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Jam Boy's survival is also aided by his fellow mice, teaching about the strength found in seeking help and cooperating with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to understand the importance of teamwork and community support in overcoming difficulties or achieving common goals.