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King & Kayla and the Case of the Mysterious Mouse
Last updated Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Author: Dori Hillestad Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 1561458791
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2026
Synopsis:
King and Kayla are playing fetch with Jillian and Thor. Jillian throws King's favorite ball too hard, and it goes over the fence and into the neighbor's yard. The ball she brings back isn't King's. Where is King's favorite ball?
Analytical Kayla creates a list of possible explanations to investigate. Sensitive King puts aside his worries and questions the cat hiding under the porch, who claims a mouse did it. How could a mouse take King's ball?
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you have a pet(s)?
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What is your pet’s name?
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What are some fun activities do you enjoy with your pet?
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If you don't have a pet, do you know someone with a pet? Do you play with the animal?
Vocabulary:
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Fetch-go for and then bring back (someone or something) for someone
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Butterfly-an insect with four large wings that flies mostly in the daytime. Butterflies are closely related to moths but have
thinner bodies and are usually more brightly colored.
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Mysterious-difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify
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Case- an instance of a particular situation; an example of something occurring
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What is King's favorite game? Did Thor know how to play the game as well?
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How did King lose his ball?
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What did the cat say about King’s ball?
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Who is Mouse?
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How did Mouse and King become friends?
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| Craft ideas: |
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You too can become a detective like King and Kayla. Create your own magnifying glass to search for clues.
Steps: 1.Cut a circle frame 2. Glue white paper in the center 3. Attach handle 4. Use this to “search” for clues. Materials needed: Construction paper, and scissors.
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Create your own King the Dog Face Mask. Steps: 1. Cut a large oval face 2. Add floppy ears, nose and eyes 3. Cut eye holes 4. Wear and retell your favorite part of the story. Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencil, and scissors.
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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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