Mice Twice by Joseph Low

Title: Mice Twice

Author: Joseph Low

Genre: Fantasy

Awards/Honors: Caldecott Honor Book

Publisher: Macmillan Publishing Company

Copyright: 1980

Grade/Age Level: Kindergarten – First Grade

Basic Overview: The story is set in mostly the Cat’s house, but also goes to Mouse’ and Dog’s house as well. The main characters, Cat and Mouse, think they are both so cunning with Mouse turning out to be the more so in the end bringing Dog who brings Alligator then Wasp. It begins with Cat inviting Mouse over for supper to eat her, he wants a nice meal, and when she asks to bring a friend, he is excited to be offered two mice for dinner. The rising action occurs when Mouse brings Dog instead of another mouse to dinner. The climax is hit when Lion is waiting with Cat for the guests. Wasp scaring off Lion is the falling action, and the resolution ends with enough food to share for Mouse, Dog, and Wasp. The main theme I got out of this story was “always be one step ahead.” Teaching students to know the people around them and what they plan to do. The point of view comes from the speaker of the story in Third Person.

What makes it quality literature? This book is quality literature in the sense that it is enjoyable to read but does not overly teach or moralize. It also has a convincing plot and characters, everything comes together to make one great whole story, and is definitely original and creative. This book is very adorable, and I can imagine a group of children hearing this story read-aloud and enjoying it very much. That is quality literature.

Is it ESOL speaker oriented: This book could enhance the intellectual needs of ESOL students by providing new vocabulary (of animals perhaps) and also enhance their aesthetic needs by producing such vibrant pictures that represent the story. There are not any real obvious stereotypes. There is only the mention of French Cheese from Cat’s friend Pierre. Culturally enveloped in this is mentioned French Brie which is a real type of cheese from France. Not a stereotype, a truth.

How can it be used in the classroom: For examining of the theme “always be one step ahead,” I would use the passage of pages 11-15 where Cat is bringing Wolf to dinner, but Dog, thinking ahead, has already invited Alligator to dinner. Here we see a very clear passage of the main theme.

How can parents use it? This is another good bedtime story that also teaches a little bit about etiquette. Parents could use it as an introduction story into the importance of etiquette, or parents could find this very useful for explaining how we behave when inviting someone over for dinner.

Accessibility: Easy to access at the school or public library. Get it for a really great price at amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Mice-Twice-Aladdin-Picture-Books/dp/0689710607/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236692298&sr=8-1 .

Kiddie L. Critic