Emmie Builds Something New
Meet Emmie, a creative and intelligent mouse with a very innovative mind. While some might consider the items in her attic old and no longer useful, Emmie sees a word of possibility! When faced with a problem or a need, Emmie cleverly develops a plan to build a solution. That is, until one day, when a curious cat enters her space. Emmie is able to find a solution to this perceived problem as well, but by doing so causes the cat to feel scared. Readers will love to see that not only is Emmie a talented inventor; she is a caring friend as well.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Calling all inventors! Just like Emmie, children will find excitement in creating their own inventions or structures using recycled materials. Adults can provide children with materials such as blocks, paper towel rolls, cardboard, fabric, wheels, tape, paint, markers, and more to inspire designing. Describe how, like Emmie, they may want to make a blueprint plan for their design before creating. If they choose to do so, adults can remind children that even with a plan, Emmie made changes to her finished product, so as fellow inventors they may need to make adaptations as well. Talk with children about their creations. Is it a work of art? Is it designed to solve a problem? What do they feel is the most interesting part? How might a human use this invention? How might a mouse?
In addition to the text that tells the story, lighter text is also used to label the different aspects of Emmie’s creations. Adults can point those labels out to children, noting what has changed as she adapts and updates her designs. There are so many details within each illustration. Children can take the lead in turning pages, making decisions on when they feel ready to move on in the story. It is also okay if they decide to go back and have a closer look at a previous page. Encouraging children to hold the book and turn the pages promotes independence and engagement and also supports their curiosity as new ideas are discovered.