Little Mouse Gets Ready

Smith, J. (2008). Little mouse gets ready. New York, NY: Toon Books.

Summary: This 2009 Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor book illustrates the many steps it takes for the little mouse to get ready to go to the barn. From slipping on his socks to buttoning his britches, the struggles the little mouse encounters will speak to the pre-K set. The book, touted as a mini-graphic novel, features illustrations and speech bubble monologue. The monologue continues until the very end until little mouse’s mama makes a proclamation. Parents will appreciate the illustrations on the last two pages.

Read-Alike: If you liked Little Mouse Gets Ready, try Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!

Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways are you and the little mouse alike?
2. Share a time when you have figured something out all by yourself. Explain the steps you had to go through to do this.

If Smith’s name sounds familiar, it should. He is the creator of the comic book Bone. For more information about Smith, log on to http://www.toon-books.com/book_littlemouse.author.php

Amelia Rules: The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular

Gownley, Jimmy. (2010). Amelia rules: The tweenage guide to not being unpopular. New York: Antheneum Books For Young Readers.

Summary: Amelia McCabe and her friends Rhonda and Joan attempt to successfully navigate the social ladder at Joe McCarthy Elementary School. Unfortunately, they can’t seem to get past the bottom rung – especially when Alpha girl Brittany is there to knock them down time and time again. Still, they hatch a plan to boost their popularity (or at least to shake the unpopularity that’s plagued them for the past few years). With the help of popularity guru Dr. V, they attempt to boost their self-esteem, make themselves over, and try out for the cheerleading squad. Will it be enough? The book allows insight into the clever tweenage mind of Amelia. Her sarcastic wit shines through and a flashback to Aunt Tanner’s dreadful high school experience is told through “old-school” comics. Simply put, I loved this book, and, in my opinion, Amelia is so cool.

Read-Alike: If you liked this book, then you might also like to read other books from the series. They include: The Whole World’s Crazy, What Makes You Happy, Superheroes, When the Past is a Present, and A Very Ninja Christmas.

Discussion Questions:
1. How are Amelia’s experiences similar or different to the experiences students have at your school?
2. Explain how Amelia changes as a character throughout this book. What is most important to her at the beginning of the book? What is most important to her in the end?
3. If you were in Amelia’s shoes, how would you have handled the situation?

For cool activities, book trailers, and a link to the author’s blog, check out www.ameliarules.com