If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is fiction children's picture book, published in 1985, written by
Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond. The book is intended for readers in grades Pre-K-2nd grade. Bond uses large, life like illustrations with bright colors to catch the readers attention.

The story is about a little boy and a very hungry mouse. The boy gives the mouse a cookie, but the mouse still wants more after the cookie. The mouse then asks for a glass of milk, a straw, napkin, a mirror, a pillow, and a picture to hang on the fridge. At the end of the story, we are left with a very full mouse and sleepy little boy. The little boy is able to see what it's like to be a mother, who is very busy with her children, after taking care of the mouse all day.
The book teaches lessons about free will, friendship, determinism, and altruism. Children have an easy time relating to this story because they act similarly to the way the mouse did.

Discussion Questions:

• Would you give the mouse a cookie? Why or why not?
•  Would you keep giving the mouse everything he asked for? Why or why not?
• Do you think you ever act like the mouse?
• What is your favorite type of cookie?

Motivational Activity:

• Have the students follow their mother around for the day doing things for her and have them write a short story about it, including how they felt at the end of the day and if they would do it again. 

Numeroff, L. J., & Bond, F. (2015). If you give a mouse a cookie. New York: Laura Geringer Book, an imprint of HarperCollins .