If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Book)

Numeroff, L. J. (1985). If you give a mouse a cookie. New York, NY: Harper & Row. ISBN: 978-0-0602-4586-3

Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7
Genre: Picture Book, Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Cause and Effect, Consequences, Mice,

Plot: A little boy gives a mouse a cookie and as a result the mouse starts asking for one thing then another, starting a chain reaction of requests that ultimately results in asking for another cookie.

Personal Thoughts: The illustrations in the book, done by Felicia Bond, are simple and flow perfectly with the words in the book, helping to draw your eye from left to right while reading. As a child, I remember my amusement that one action (giving the mouse the cookie) would cause a series of reactions that would ultimately lead back to the mouse wanting another cookie. Which would also mean I would want to return to the first page to reread the book immediately. The story definitely teaches young impulsive children to try and think ahead and to be aware of possible consequences to their actions. I really like that the book teaches about consequences in a positive and funny manner, rather then a negative one.

Other Books in the Series: If you give a moose a muffin; If you give a pig a pancake;
Author Website: http://www.lauranumeroff.com/ (Retrieved September 5, 2010)