Summary:
There are seven little mice that are septuplets that will begin school. Their mother worries because she is scared to take them through the woods because she’s scared she will lose them. She comes up with the idea to take two big balls of yarn and unravel them through the forest, which creates a clear path. This path ends up becoming not only the seven mice’s path, but also all the other students that are going to start school.

Personal Reflection:
I like this book because it addresses the area of fear. The mother is fearful but instead of allowing this fear to get the best of her, she comes up with a plan and ends with a solution to how she can overcome this fear.

Extension Ideas:
1. The students could be asked what are some of their fears or worries. After some of them have been said, the class can come up with ideas and ways to overcome these fears and worries.
2. If the first idea doesn’t quite work because of the age, it could work for the students to write their fears and worries anonymously on pieces of paper. The teacher receives these pieces of paper and then as a class they all try to come up with solutions to the fears and worries that are said on the pieces of paper.

Seven little mice are starting school tomorrow. They have new hats, book bags, and shoes, but there's just one problem. None of the little mice want to go to school. Each has an excuse for not wanting to go. "School is too far away!" said one. "There will be a snake on the path!" exclaimed another. Oh, what a fuss the little mice made. What is Mother to do?

Late that night, Mother comes up with a plan. When her children wake up in the morning, they are surprised to discover that the train for school is leaving soon. With each little mouse holding the tail of the one in front, they become the Mouse Train. They chug along through the forest until they come to a dark tunnel where there is a surprise waiting for them. Will they get to school on time or will they all turn around and run home? Read this charming picture book to find out.

The Bottom Line: First published in Japan in 1981, Seven Little Mice Go to School is a classic tale of first day of school anxiety. Through Yamashita's gentle storytelling, the little mice learn that going to school can be an adventure. Soft watercolor illustrations by Kazuo Iwamura perfectly complement the story by adding humor. Anxious little ones heading off to preschool or kindergarten for the first time will enjoy this picture book. Highly recommended for kids ages 3 - 5. Also, be sure to check out the other adventures the seven little mice have.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )

A mother has septuplets and prepares them for school. The baby mice don't want to go to school because it is too far. Mother mouse creates a school train and encourages all children to go to school. This book is very positive about school. All the mice were having fun on their way to school. ( )

Para convencer a sus siete pequeños de que vayan al colegio Mamá ratón tiene una formidable idea: inventa una vía férrea con hilo azul que pasa por un túnel. Por la mañana, se pone entre los raíles y hace de locomotora. Sus siete hijos y todos los amigos se agarran a ella como los vagones del tren.