Independent Reading Level: Prek-2

Independent Reading Level: Grade 2

Independent Reading Level: Grade 2
Honors/Awards: None

A reckless mouse scampers over a sleeping lion's paw and woke him up from his nap. The mouse froze in fear but the lion decided to let the little mouse go free. In return the mouse promised to help the lion anytime. The lion laughed thinking how could something so little possible help someone big and strong, but sometimes there are things even lions can't do and may need help from the little mouse. ( )

This book is about a young lion cub who takes a nap on a hot day after playing to cool down and rest. While the lion cub is napping, a mouse crosses his paw and wakes him up. The mouse quickly apologizes to the lion cub, in fear. The lion cub tells the mouse that he won't hurt him so the mouse thanks the lion cub and tells him that he will repay his kindness one day, so if the lion cub ever needs help, the mouse will help however possible. The lion cub laughed because the lion is much bigger than the mouse. Why would a strong and big lion need help from a small mouse? Years later, the lion cub grew into the biggest and strongest lion making him the king. One day when the lion went to his normal resting spot, he fell into a trap. None of the animals could help him. The next morning the mouse appeared and offered to fulfill the promise he made to the lion years ago by helping him out of the trap. The lion doubted the mouse. If nobody else could help him, the mouse surely couldn't either. Then the mouse started to nibble at the net eventually chewing a hole into the net to free the lion. The lion thanked the mouse and vowed to never doubt someone based on size and strength and promised to always protect the mouse.

I remember a different version of this story from when I was a child. From time to time, I'll recall this book and the message that stuck with me since I was young. It's definitely a must-read for students because it provides such a heartfelt message at the end. ( )