Why I Love This Book

I've been teaching for a long time. Here's my proof: this was a hot new title just before I entered the classroom. I was obsessed with it and created all kinds of activities around this book for what was then my first grade classroom. I honestly can't believe it's been around for over 35 years!

Interesting fact, this book was turned down 9 times before Numeroff found a publisher. Crazy right?

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie was the beginning of what is now a very successful 17 book series. The series has sold over 5 million copies and has been printed in 14 different languages.

I only discovered the animated series while researching for this post, but it's cute if you haven't seen it yet.

Click HERE to hear the book read aloud by the author, Laura Numeroff.

Other titles in the "if You..." series include
  • If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (1985)
  • If You Give a Mouse a Brownie (2016)
  • If You Give a Moose a Muffin (1991)
  • If You Give a Pig a Pancake (1998)
  • If You Give a Dog a Donut (2011)
  • If You Give a Cat a Cupcake (2008)
  • If You Give a Pig a Party (2005)
  • If You Take a Mouse to School (2002)
  • If You Take a Mouse to the Movies (2000)
  • Mouse Cookies & More: A Treasury (2015)
  • The Best Mouse Cookie (2006)
  • Merry Christmas, Mouse! (2007)
  • Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! (2009)
  • Happy Easter, Mouse! (2010)
  • It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! (2012)
  • Happy Birthday, Mouse! (2012)
  • Time for School, Mouse! (2008)
Themes
  • Perseverance
  • Determination
  • Kindness
Awards & Accolades
  • New York Times Bestseller (1986)
  • Quill Award for Picture Books (1988)
  • Animated Series - 4 Daytime Emmy Nominations (2018)
  • California Young Reader Medal (1988)
  • Colorado Children's Book Award (1988)
  • Georgia Children's Picture Story Book Award (1988)
  • Nevada Young Readers' Award (1988–89)
Teachable Moments
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
  • Parts of a Book (Cover, Title, Author, Illustrator, Spine, End Papers...)
  • Introduce the concept of cause and effect... because of this... this happened.
  • ​Action Words (verbs) in the story: give, drink, draw, ask, look...
  • Circular stories (stories that end where they started)
  • Order of Events /Plot- What did the Mouse ask for first, next , and last​
Picture
 ​​ Click HERE to see what's included with each
​download purchased.
Please note that you are purchasing the resources only.

Subscribers receive 2 new titles delivered to their inbox each month
​ at a 20% discount off single purchases!

Beyond the Book Resources

​Each $3.99 Beyond the Book Download Includes:
  • Getting Started - an introduction to the Read it Again method
  • Comprehension Questions  -  A list of  questions that tap into different levels of understanding and foster conversations about the story
  • ​Vocabulary Flashcards - Along with the flashcards, you'll also receive ideas for putting the cards to use in multiple ways
  • Writing - We provide an image and story prompt designed to extend the theme of the story. No, we don't expect your child to write just yet. Instead, you can take down the dictation of the story your child tells.
  • Story Elements Page - Understanding what makes a story a story is an important skill.  This activity asks your child to identify the following: characters, setting, problem, solution, favorite part, and summary.
  • Cooking ideas related to the story
  • Art ideas related to the story
  • Links to  Great Games,  toys, manipulatives, and movies
  • Information on the Research behind ReaditAgain​
Important Note: This download does not include the book, only the resources listed above. The book may be purchased separately by clicking here. ​
It's really that simple...
​ One Great Story
 Multiple Readings
Fun & Educational Follow-up Activities
Subscribers receive 2 new titles in their inbox each month
​at a 20% discount off  the single purchase prices.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

​Themed Toys

Adding an element of play is yet another way to deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced within the multiple readings of the story.  You'll be surprised at the amount of learning that's transferred and reinforced through  imaginative play.
​
Why I Love These Specific Playthings:
  • Each item has a direct connection to If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
  • There are no batteries.
  • They encourage imaginative play.
  • They make it easy to re-enact the story.
  • ​They take the learning another step forward.
Please note that these are affiliate links.
If you purchase anything through my  links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll make a small commission which helps me keep the lights on.  ​
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald