Title: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff
First published January 1, 1985
40 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060245863
Rating: 4.28
Overview
“If you give a puppy a treat, he’s going to ask for a belly rub…” If a cute little puppy comes wagging his tail towards you, you might want to give him a treat. If you give him a treat, he’s going to ask for a belly rub.
He’ll want to chase his tail to make sure he’s still the fastest pup around, and then he’ll ask for a ball to play with… The consequences of giving a treat to this energetic puppy run the owner ragged, but readers of all ages will come away smiling at the antics that tumble like dominoes through the pages of this delightful picture book.
This book is a great first introduction to Puppy, the star of the show and a perennial favorite among children. With its spare, rhythmic text and circular tale, “If You Give a Puppy a Treat” is perfect for beginning readers and story time.
Sure to inspire giggles and requests to read it again and again, this award-winning book is a must-have for any young reader’s library.
About the Author
Meet Laura Joffe Numeroff, a New York Times best-selling author known for her popular children’s books including If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, What Mommies/Daddies Do Best, and Raising a Hero. Laura was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up as the youngest of three girls in a household filled with art, music, and books.
As an animal lover, Laura has always been passionate about writing a book about service dogs. Today, she resides in Los Angeles, California.
Editoral Review
“
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, written by Laura Joffe Numeroff, is a beloved classic children’s picture book that was first published on January 1, 1985. The book features a mouse who asks for a cookie, and what unfolds is a series of events that lead to increasingly absurd requests from the demanding little rodent.
The narrative style is charming and funny, with a sprinkle of absurdity that children find delightful. There are also underlying themes of cause and effect, responsibility, and the consequences of actions, making it an educational tool that goes beyond entertainment.
The illustrations by Felicia Bond are whimsical and detailed, adding to the overall charm of the book. The plot revolves around a little boy who gives a cookie to a mouse, which sets off a chain of events.
The mouse then asks for milk to go with the cookie, which leads to the mouse asking for a straw and then for a napkin. This cycle continues with the mouse continuously making more and more requests until the little boy has had enough and the story comes full circle.
While it may seem like a simple story, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie offers a deeper lesson about responsibility and the consequences of actions which makes it an enduring classic. The theme of the book is that even a small action taken today can have big consequences later on.
Numeroff has also authored other books in the “If You Give” series, such as If You Give a Moose a Muffin and If You Give a Pig a Pancake, that follow a similar pattern and style as If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. These books have been popular with children and parents alike, cementing Numeroff’s place as a master of this genre.
One criticism of the book may be that the storyline is too predictable and that it fails to introduce new concepts or themes. But, if we consider the target audience of young children who are just starting to explore the world around them, the simplicity is a strength.
The repetition and predictability actually help them learn important concepts and develop cognitive skills. In conclusion, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a well-crafted and enduring classic that is perfect for children starting their reading journey.
It offers a fun and educational experience that teaches an important lesson about responsibility, consequences, and decision-making. While it may not be the most challenging or complex book in its genre, it more than makes up for it with its charm and accessibility, earning it a 4 out of 5 rating.”
