How many of you have read any of Laura Numeroff’s books? Her books are absolutely delightful and will take you and your child on an unexpected journey only to lead you right back to where you started. She has inspired all three of my children, and me, to create some of our own stories because her style is simply delightful. In this article, I will try to suggest some crafts that will compliment her book without revealing too much of the story. I think you may want to explore that with your child!

Yes, it’s back to school and in If You Take a Mouse to School (If You Give...), the mouse ends up using and needing several different items to complete his adventure with his friend. He wants a lunch (go ahead and let your child create a lunch that s/he and a mouse might share!) and it should go into a lunchbox. Pack up some school supplies like paper and pencils and you are off on an adventure!

Just make sure your mouse doesn’t disturb the classroom too much! A very cute and easy mouse craft that I found is one that we may try to use for my Girl Scout troop called a “good turn” mouse.

One of the things I know the teacher would appreciate is if the mouse wouldn’t disturb the class too much. However, a few simple science experiments might not hurt, and make the day so much more interesting! Why not try something like blowing up a balloon, without using your mouth? Once you know the secret, it’s easy. Check out my forum post about science experiments to find out one way to do it. If you have any other suggestions feel free to add them.

Books are always a great item for school, and so are journals. Why not create your own book or journal to record this mouse’s day in school? It could be something as simple as some notebook paper joined with yarn or clasps, or you could create something much more elaborate. Last year, one of my troop moms came up with a wonderful and simple scrapbook for the girls to record their year. She took a large cereal box and cut the cardboard to the same size as the chosen scrapbook paper. The paper was glued, using a glue stick, to both sides of the cardboard. The covers, plus scrapbook paper for the inside was then punched with a three hole punch. Each girl was then given scrapbook paper, stickers, pictures, etc. to decorate her book. Once they were finished, the whole package was tied up with decorative ribbons. These really turned out well and the girls had fun remembering their year’s activities. . Don’t forget to add some lined paper if you want this to be more like a journal.

Don’t forget that recess is such an important time in school, even for the older kids. Think of some different activities that your child and their mouse might be able to enjoy. In the book, there are a few different ideas that you would not think a mouse would like, but this mouse surely likes to get involved.

I hope you have as much fun with this book, and crafts, that we did. Also, if you enjoy this book, all of Laura Numeroff’s other books are just as entertaining and fun. Stop by the forum and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you.