Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears

Emily Gravett
Macmillan Books
Age 5-7 years

We are all afraid of something and this inventive picturebook helps children to see they are not alone in feeling scared sometimes. The story follows Little Mouse through a humorous catalogue of fears and phobias only to discover that this small creature is scary to something much, much bigger. There’s lots to explore including postcards, adverts and a map of the Isle of Fright. There are links to nursery rhymes such as Hickory Dickory Dock.

Share the story

Read aloud
Before reading the story, encourage children to look at the back and front covers and the end papers and  talk about what they see. Then read through the story, pausing to talk about the pictures. It’s a book that lends itself to being read expressively to bring out the suspense, excitement and humour.

Join in
As you read and reread the book, encourage children to join in with the story where they can. This will build as you revisit the book together and children become more familiar with the story.

Talk about the story
Which pages did especially children like? They can choose their favourites and say why. Are there any they didn’t like? Talk together about why.

Are there any fears in the story that they have or used to have? You can share your fears too, as a child and as an adult.

Tell the story
Using the pictures in the book, children can tell the story in their own words.

Watch the story

From scrc3521

Things to make and do

Make a book of fears
Children can make their own book of fears, with a fear or worry on each page. This could link to how old they were, for example:
When I was ONE I was afraid of thunder
because…
When I was TWO I was afraid of the dark
because…

Or they can make a family book of fears:
When daddy was little he was scared of…
He used to…
When grandma was little she was scared of ..
She used to…

When the book is finished, children can read it aloud to you and other members of the family.
You can use a ready made notebook or see here to make a simple origami book.

A picture of me
Children can draw a simple outline drawing of themselves on a plain piece of paper. Then they can add to their drawing to show how they feel when they are scared. For example:

Red face, shaky hands, rumbly tummy, pounding heart….

Find out more

Read more books by Emily Gravett and visit her website here.

Titles include:

* Orange Pear Apple Bear

* Blue Chameleon

Dogs

* Monkey and Me

Meerkat Mail

The Rabbit Problem

* The Odd Egg

Cave Baby

* Wolves

* See more lovemybooks ideas