Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack
Mouse keeps an eye out for the cat on the way to the delicious spread on the dining room table, but by the time he has piled a plate with 1 piece of cheese, 2 plump plums, 3 baby carrots, 4 fried chicken legs, 5 ears of corn—you get the idea—the cat is out of sight and out of mind. When the hero has to make a dash for his hole he manages to keep everything balanced until he realizes the plate won't fit. Kids probably already guessed the ending, but in a twist—the majority of the food and the plate flatten the cat (temporarily) and the cheese slips through the door with Mr. Mouse.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Encourage your child to use story words and ideas after reading the book together. The author uses the phrases, "Flex those muscles. Crack those knuckles." before the mouse starts to load his plate with the snacks to indicate that mouse was ready for some serious work. Remind your child of the story by using the same phrases, "Flex those muscles. Crack those knuckles." before daily routines such as setting the table, picking up toys, or energetic outdoor play.
In addition to the funny story, Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack reviews the concept of counting up to 10 and counting back down again. Remind the families that letting the children look for, point to, and count the food items will add time to the reading session, but is an important way that children interact with books and reinforces the children's concept of counting.