A Mouse in the House & Backyard Jungle - Level 21-22

A Mouse in the House & Backyard Jungle brings together a whimsical tale of an unlikely friendship with factual insights into local ecosystems. In A Mouse in the House, a girl's dislike of her new sneakers is unexpectedly resolved when a mouse disrupts her morning. This realistic fiction narrative highlights direct speech and animal behaviour while focusing on empathy and problem-solving. Backyard Jungle then zooms out to explore the many insects and animals that live near our homes. The non-fiction text features detailed fact files, diagrams, and a hands-on activity, making it an excellent tool for developing non-fiction reading skills. This pairing encourages curiosity, fosters environmental awareness, and allows students to observe the natural world around them through both narrative and informational lenses.

Educational Benefits:

• Promotes empathy and creative problem-solving in narrative settings
• Reinforces understanding of animal habitats and behaviours
• Builds non-fiction literacy with labelled illustrations and charts
• Encourages real-world observation and environmental inquiry

Classroom Ideas:

• Write a diary entry from the perspective of the mouse
• Conduct a backyard or schoolyard nature walk and record observations
• Design a creature profile for an insect found in the backyard
• Compare fiction and non-fiction presentations of animals using a T-chart

Safety & Information:

• Appropriate for ages 6+
• Size: 200mm x 210mm
• Durable, safe format suitable for classroom use
• Supports integration of science, reading, and ethical discussions