The Christmas Tree Mouse
Image courtesy of Allies Interactive via Shutterstock
Activity 1 / Name the Country
In the first chapter, you meet all of the characters except Sagu, who comes into the story later. The characters’ names have one thing in common. They all mean “mouse” in different languages.
Can you figure out the 10 languages?
What You Will Need
• A smart device or computer
• Internet connection
STEP 1
Find a language translation site online.
STEP 2
Type “mouse” into the English side, then explore different languages until the correct translation appears.
Characters Language
• Topo ................................
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• Kiota ................................
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• Myshka ................................
• Souris ................................
• Nas ................................
• Pontikos ................................
• Impuku ................................
• Panya ................................
• Fara ................................
• Sagu ................................
Activity 2 / Build a Mouse Burrow Model
Uncle Pontikos describes running to one exit after another to escape his burrow.
Chapter 2 Fun Facts tell you even more about mouse burrows. You learn that these underground homes can have multiple tunnels with little offshoots and different chambers for sleeping, storing food and raising young.
With a few simple items, you can create a cutaway model of a mouse burrow. A cutaway model takes away part of the outside to reveal what is inside. A dollhouse is a good example of this.
For your model, imagine that you are cutting away the top layer of soil and looking down on the burrow.
What You Will Need
• Shallow cardboard box, such as a gift box for a shirt
• Cardboard tubes from wrapping paper, paper towels or toilet paper
• Construction paper or thin cardboard
• Scissors
• Tape and/or glue
STEP 1
Plan where you want the tunnels and chambers in your burrow. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you want, just like real mice do.
STEP 2
For the Tunnels
Cut the cardboard tubes to the lengths you want.
STEP 3
Make two slits the entire length of each tube so that you are cutting away about one-third of the tube.
STEP 4
For the Chambers
Cut a strip of construction paper or thin cardboard that is as wide as the gift box is deep. Tape the two ends together to create a circle.
STEP 5
Cut holes in the sides of the chambers where the tunnels connect with them. Make the holes just large enough for the tubes to fit through.
STEP 6
Connect all of your tunnels and chambers. The open side of the tubes should face you. Then tape or glue everything into the gift box.
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Extras
• Paint the inside of the gift box brown so it looks more like dirt.
• Glue some real dirt within the gift box to make it even more realistic.
• Add other touches such as plastic mice, dried grass or shredded paper in the chambers and seeds in the food store chambers.
Activity 3 / Create a Twine Decoration or Gift
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Pontikos describes the “twisted grass” that at first traps him, and then helps save him from the wind. Twisted fibers are used to make twine, which humans have been using for at least 30,000 years and probably longer.
There are countless ways to use twine, even in our modern age. You can use it to make a very easy, but impressive decoration, ornament or gift.
What You Will Need
• Twine
• Small jar, such as a baby food jar
• Scissors
• Glue
STEP 1
Create a handle by cutting three pieces of twine. These should be about twice as long as you want the handle to end up.
STEP 2
Braid the three pieces together. If you don’t know how to braid, you can find easy instructions online.
STEP 3
Glue the ends of your braid to opposite sides of the jar to create a handle.
STEP 4
Glue twine all the way around the outside of the jar from bottom to top.
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Extras
• Use colored twine to make your jar more festive.
• Fill the jar with things such as mini candy canes, fresh greenery or a plant.
• Make a nice gift by writing a note to someone you love and putting it in the jar.
Activity 4 / Identify All of Your Exits
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Pontikos thinks he is trapped when he sees the “rock” moved over the opening of the Two Legs’ burrow. Part of the problem is that he hasn’t had time to find other ways of getting out.
Flight attendants point out your exits when you enter a plane. Too bad we don’t have them everywhere we go.
But looking for doors and windows where you can get out in an emergency is a good habit to practice throughout your life. Whenever you enter someplace, look around for how to exit. The way you came in, may not always be available. The more ways to get out that you can identify, the safer you will be in case of something unexpected such as a fire or earthquake.
So this activity is really more of an ongoing routine, rather than something you do just once.
Activity 5 / Draw the Decorated Tree
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Pontikos describes how the Two Legs covered his tree with a “glowing snake with bumps” and shiny objects. They also put a tiny “Clang Clang” around the base of it.
You can illustrate the scene that Pontikos witnessed. Draw your picture from the mouse’s perspective for an even bigger challenge.
What You Will Need
• Drawing pens, pencils or markers
• Paper
STEP 1
Reread the part of the chapter where Pontikos describes how the Two Legs decorate the tree.
STEP 2
Create your drawing from these hints and your imagination.
Activity 6 / Create a Spoon
Instructions to come
Activity 7 / Bake Uncle Pontikos' Cookies
Recipe to come