Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni

Book Genre: Fable, Fantasy, Folk Tales and Myths
Publishing: Random House Children's Books, Sept. 1974 (32 pp.)
Awards/Honors: Caldecott Honor, ALA Notable Book, and New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year

Summary:
Alexander the mouse always got screamed at or chased by a broom every time he went looking for crumbs to eat. One day when no one was at home, Alexander found another mouse in the house. It wasn't an ordinary mouse, but a wind-up mouse named Willy. Alexander and Willy became good friends even though Willy couldn't move and play with Alexander. Alexander came to wish he was like Willy because he wanted to be cuddled and loved. One day Willy told Alexander about a magic lizard who lives in the garden and who could change one animal into another. Alexander went to see the lizard who told him to bring him a purple pebble. Alexander looked but couldn't find one.When he return home, Alexander found Willy in a box with old toys. Annie his owner was throwing him away. While talking to Willy, Alexander found a purple peddle and ran to the garden to give it to the lizard. When the lizard asked for his wish, Alexander wished that Willy would be a mouse like him instead of him becoming a wind-up mouse like Willy. Alexander return home to find that the box was empty. He believed he was too late until he saw Willy in the hold in the wall.

Personal rating and Why?
This is a good book. I enjoy the story and the pictures. The reading has an easy flow to it.

Reading Level: 4.7
Interest Level: K-2

Integrated units of study:
Science: Talk about animals and their habitat
Reading: Make connection and predictions
Writing: Write about a special friend and the things they like doing together

Potential Problems or Difficulties: The font too small