If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

For my fifth and final children's book recommendation, I present a classic-- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff.  Most of you know of or have read this one, I am sure.  Felicia Bond's adorable illustrations are very recognizable and beloved.  And since this first book, many more by Numeroff have followed including If You Give a Moose a Muffin, If You Give a Cat a Cupcake, If You Give a Pig a Party, and If You Take A Mouse to the Movies.

These books all do the same basic thing-- show cause and effect in a very cute way.  "If you give a mouse a cookie, chances are he'll want some milk to go with it."  Each story continues until it has made a complete circle, ending where it all started. 

My girls love all of these books and enjoy reading them again and again!

Reading Connection:  Try writing your own cause and effect story.  For example,  "If you give your Mom a cup of coffee, chances are she'll want some sugar to go with it.  And if you give your Mom some sugar, chances are she'll remember that she's supposed to make cookies for her daughter's first grade class, etc."  I love to see where these stories lead.  Sometimes they wrap up neatly right back where they started, and other times, they end in a funny, altogether different way.  There's no right or wrong. Just have fun creating your own cause and effect book together!