Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Book Activity: The Library Mouse

The book: This book is one of the gems that really seems to give kids something to think about. What if you were an author of a book of your very own? And what if? People actually read your book! The Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk gave both my girls the excitement and idea that they didn't have to just be read too, they could write their own books.

When Sam the library mouse decides to write his own book he takes paper, staples them together, and starts in on drawing a picture book. He poses in the mirror to see how he should draw his pictures, makes a cover page, and places his little book in the bookshelves of the library. Sam's mind was filled with facts and information and images of far-away places, and his imagination brimmed over with wonder and fantasy. One night Sam decided that it was time he wrote a book of his own. Sam begins with a picture book and moves on to a mystery chapter book. The children in the library wait in excited anticipation for his next books. When they finally find who is writing these books, Sam has a little surprise in store for each child.


The Activity: We folded paper together and stapled them just like Sam in the book. Since the girls have not learned to write their own stories yet with words, I asked them to draw pictures of their story. I than filled in their story as they recounted it. We read each story to each other and than, to make it official, they placed their books on our bookshelf, prominently displayed in our front living room.



What did they learn: I am still surprised at how much the absorbed from this book. They continuously talk about how they wrote they made their own story and talk about wanting to make word book or chapter books when they learn to spell by themselves.

Have you heard of this book?

7 comments:

Chrissy, said...

My kids love the libray and I game them the name of it. We will have it soon and I let you know. Thanks for the idea. What other books do they like?

I think it is so cute when they start spelling and the words are spelled how they sound.

Jennfer said...

What a gem. I haven't heard of that one before. ITs' funny, we're leaving for the library in like an hour, so thanks for the tip

love you

Wendi said...

Sounds adorable! Thanks for the idea. Cute documentation of your girls, too!

Munchkins and Music said...

No, I haven't heard of this book before. But is sounds like the activity was fun for your girls.

Holly said...

I love these recent activity ideas you have shared--especially since they are related to one of my passions--reading.

I'll have to look for The Library Mouse soon.

dani said...

you are such a great mama, michelle... taking the time with your girls to make such darling things and such amazing memories:)
making good memories has been one of my most important priorities with katherine.
they are little for such a short period of time...
i hope you have had a fun day:D
love,
dani

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I'd not heard of this book, but it sounds great! What a fun way to get kids thinking and writing and drawing!