Max the Brave Written by: Ed Vere Illustrated by: Ed Vere A brave little cat loves to chase mice.. if only he knew what a mouse was! Lexile: Currently Unavailable AR Level: Currently Unavailable

Author Website: http://www.edvere.com/   Illustrator Website: http://www.edvere.com/    Book Trailer/Author interview: http://books.sourcebooks.com/maxthebrave/   Other Websites/links: http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=45331&a=1 Nonfiction Title: Fiction-but with a lot of information about what makes a mouse: Little Nelly’s Big Book- by Pippa Goodhart

Of Mice and Rats- by Allen Fowler Introduction: Start by sharing the dynamic trailer and previewing the content. With sticky notes covering the text, take students on a picture walk to make predictions and chart them (either on smart board or easel). Enthusiastically share the story and compare what happened vs. predictions.

Story time Activities: Students can use watercolors to paint a pattern on a square of cardstock, While they dry, (watercolors dry quickly) students can’t paint or write their names on the circle that is already prepare with “the brave.” While projects dry students can write about or share what makes them brave. Adhere the circle to their patterned piece and students are left with a gorgeous piece of art. Maybe play “Brave” by Sara Bareilles while students work!

Discussion Questions: (Please include the answer and the page it is found on if applicable. You may also write open-ended discussion questions.) 1. How would you feel if your parents and family dressed you up in clothes that you really didn’t like? 2. How might you go about asking them to stop, or changing their minds? Use your persuasive skills here! 3. Why do you think superheroes where capes? Why does that make us think they’re brave? Was a cape a good choice for Max? Did you immediately think he was brave? 4. Have you ever been curious about something? How did you get more answers? How can you learn even more about your curiosities? 5. If you didn’t know what a mouse was, how might you find out? Let this discussion lead you into research opportunities and resources, develop a question to answer in the next visit, or in the classroom.