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Word of Mouse
Last updated Sunday, November 15, 2020
Author: James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Illustrator: Joe Sutphin
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0316349569
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2020
Synopsis:
What makes Isaiah so unique? First, his fur is as blue as the sky -- which until recently was something he'd never seen, but had read all about. That's right: Isaiah can read and write. He can also talk to humans . . . if any of them are willing to listen!
After a dramatic escape from a mysterious laboratory, Isaiah is separated from his "mischief" (which is the word for a mouse family) and has to survive in the dangerous outdoors, and hopefully find his missing family.
| Note to readers: |
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Characters
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Isaiah - The main mouse of the story
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Benji - Isaiah's reliable brother
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Winnie - Isaiahs' sister, Chartreuse-colored fur
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Abe - Isaiah's brother, Red-colored fur
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you ever gotten separated from your family? What did you do? How did it feel?
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What makes us be afraid? Can we be brave once we have been scared?
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When is a moment you had to be brave for yourself or for your siblings/ family?
Vocabulary
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Niggling - causing slight but constant annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety
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Smorgasbord - a buffet offering a lot of different options
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Rancid - smelling or tasting bad because it is old or stale
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What did you think when Isaiah was separated from his family? How would you have helped him?
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What do you do when you're sad to cheer yourself up? What does your family do?
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What advice would you give Isaiah? What advice would your family or friends give?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw the moment Isaiah and his siblings escape.
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You heard about some of the other colors, but not what abilities the mice with them have. Draw what you imagine the mice have as their special gifts.
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Show us: Ask the kids to show something in their house that Isaiah could have used. Volunteers should model this with something from their house.
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2020-friendship-and-fun/
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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