King Mouse by Cary Fagan illustrated by Dena Seiferling

"A mouse woke up hungry. He came out his hole and sniffed the air." 

Then he noticed something on the grass - a tiny glittering crown. By simply putting on the crown the other animals decide this mouse must be the king. They set about gathering tempting food and then perform a play for his amusement. Wait a minute a snake comes along and she finds another crown. Perhaps she is the queen? All the animals bow low. Then the fox finds a crown, the tortoise finds a crown and the crow finds a crown. Everyone has a crown - everyone except the bear. 

"The bear lowered his head. It wasn't any fun being the only one who wasn't a king or a queen. He lumbered away."

If you are reading this book with an older group of students you might stop the story at this point and ask the group to think of ways to resolve or conclude this story.

Step into this book - King Mouse - slowly. The first page is very important. A young child is riding a tricycle with a tray at the back. The tray holds some paper crowns and the child has not noticed but nearly all of them have spilled out of the tray into the grass.

Now go back to the cover. The title is in embossed gold foil! Under the dust jacket there is a surprise. On the front end paper there is a gold 'Ex-Libris' illustration that looks like a book plate. I even love the book dedication - 'To my grade two teacher, Miss Applebaum, wherever you are.'

Even though this is a hardcover book from the US it is affordable for your school library and I think it would be an excellent addition if you have some money to spend. [9781406393774]

Remember I said to linger over the first page - make sure you also linger over the final image too. 

Graceful and perceptive in both illustration and text, the timeless theme is particularly pertinent today. Kirkus Star review

When the mouse is able to look beyond his own situation and notice someone who is in distress, it is profound and moving. 32 Pages: A passion for Picture Books

“Crisp writing, a story that engages and challenges early readers, gorgeous illustrations, and a warming conclusion make this a must-read for all parents and older children.” Sublime Book review

Fagan’s dialogue-rich storytelling spotlights themes of pride, envy, disappointment, friendship, inclusion, and modesty and makes this a perfect tale ... Celebrate picture Books

The perfect companion read for this book is It fell from the Sky by the Fan Brothers.

Here are some other books illustrated by Dena Seiferling including a new one by Eric Fan.

Read an interview with Dean Seiferling about her book. You can also see art from King Mouse with the interview. 

The Cockerel and the Fox retold and illustrated by Helen Fox

Pride comes before a fall ...

Chanticleer is the farm rooster. He is handsome, proud, and loved but he is also vain. He has never seen a fox until one day : "It was Mr Fox - reddish, doggish and hungry for his supper."

Fox is a cunning fellow, as you would expect. He flatters Chanticleer and snatches him by the neck. Chanticleer's wife, Pertelote, raises the alarm. The farm animals give chase. It is a wild stampede.

Image source: Visual languages and Analysis Kat Bayliss

Luckily all of this running has given Chanticleer time to think. When the farm animals stop at the edge of the wood afraid to continue Chanticleer says:

"I have to admit you are a clever fellow. Such bravery and wit! It's such a shame these lowly beasts do not realise. You should tell them what a fine trick you played on me. What a cunning plot you devised. After all they think that I am the cleverest creature in all the kingdom."

The fox opened his mouth to speak and ...

"Beware of false flattery ... now there is a moral worth remembering."

Blurb: "This tale, of 12th century French origin, has been told many times through the years, most notably by Chaucer in The Nun's Priest's Tale."

There are also Aesop versions of this story - the reverse story in The fox and the crow; and The Dog, the Cockerel and the Fox.

The Cockerel and the Fox by Helen Ward was originally published in 2002 but it is still available in paperback (2020).

This book is filled with rare breeds of chickens, goats, ducks, pigs, and cattle. I loved reading so many beautiful names such as Gold Partridge Dutch (bantam); Silver Appleyard Drake; Belted Galloway (my favourite breed of cattle); Soay (sheep from islands off the west coast of Scotland); and the Suffolk Punch (horse). I really appreciate the detailed work involved in the way Helen Ward accurately draws so many diverse farm animals. Her lists of rare breeds are such a bonus and are are sure to foster curiosity in your young reading companion. 

Helen Ward is a fabulous illustrator. If you are not familiar with her work try to find some of these:

The Tin Forest

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Happy Birthday to The Paperbag Princess

Born 1980 turning 40 this year

Party date 7th March 

Location - various bookshops in US and Canada such as Woozles in Halifx

When a dragon burns down her castle Elizabeth is left with nothing except a paper bag. She bravely sets out to rescue Prince Ronald who has been carried off by the dragon. She finds Ronald who is held captive by the dragon in a cave. Elizabeth challenges the dragon to demonstrate his extraordinary powers. She appeals to his vanity, setting him three challenges. Eventually he collapses exhausted. Elizabeth is able to rescue Ronald but instead of being grateful all he can do is criticise her appearance! Elizabeth is not defeated. She has the final and very appropriate word for the vain and pompous Ronald! He is a 'bum'.

I first talked about The Paper Bag Princess in 2012.  Robert Munsch was born in the US and now lives in Canada. He is the author of over 65 books. His first book Mud Puddle (1979) is one I love to read aloud but The Paperbag Princess is probably his most famous title. Here is a video where Robert talks about his book. Take a look at my previous post about Princess stories.

Resources

• Audio Book
• Teaching ideas
• Linking the text with philosophical thinking

Other Princess stories I adore: