How to Save Your Tail by Mary Hanson

Bob is a mouse with a big problem. He's attempting to avoid being eaten by two hungry cats. How does this canny mouse avoid becoming a tasty meal? By telling fairy tales about his family and baking deserts, of course. Isn't that the way all mice escape from hungry cats? As Bob tells folktales from his family tree, we learn twists on traditional fairy tales. Is Bob's story telling ability and baking abilities enough to fend off these hungry felines?

Discussion Questions:

1. Look at Bob's Family Tree. Why do you think they place this at the beginning of the book? As you read, refer to this graphic organizer as you read the story.

2. Keep a list of the fairy tales that are referred to or listed in this book.

3. Write down 5 vivid vocabulary words as you read. How do these words change the mood of what you are reading?

4. After Bob is caught by the cats, how is he able to avoid being eaten?

5. If you had a goose that could lay something special, what would it be? Why?

6. Think about the chapter called "The Three Rats." Discuss the plot (problem and solution).

7. Think about the story of Rumplestiltskin the Troll. Why could he consider his predicament to be bittersweet?

8. Think about the gifts bestowed upon Griselda and her shrewsister. If Bob could bestow a gift upon Muffin and Brutus, what would it be? Why?

9. How is Bob's version of Cinderella similar and different to the traditional fairy tale?

10. Did Bob live happily ever after? How do you know?

Did you enjoy reading "How to Save Your Tail"? Why or why not?

Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry

A new girl in class loves being the center of attention and tells the most entertaining "absolutely true" stories. There's never been anyone like Gooney Bird Greene at Watertower Elementary School. What other new kid comes to school wearing pajamas and cowboy boots one day and polka-dot t-shirt and tutu on another? When is the star of story time and keeps her teacher and classmates on the edge of their seats with her "absolutely true" stories. But What about her classmates? do they have stories good enough to share?

Adapted from www.RandomHouse.com/kids

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you describe Gooney Bird Greene to your friends?

2. How did Gooney Bird get her name? How did you get your name?

3. What was your favorite Gooney Bird Story?

4. What are some of Gooney Bird's tips for creating a good story?

5. Are you at all like Gooney Bird? Would you go to school dressed like she does?

6. How does Gooney handle being the new girl at school? How do the other kids feel about her?

7. Create a list of other fictional characters that are similar to Gooney Bird Greene. List their similarities.

8. Think about a time you were late to school, a time you saved your money to buy something really special, lost a pet or anything else that Gooney Bird told a story about.

9. Did you enjoy reading Gooney Bird Greene? Why or why not?

Questions adapted from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Discussion Guide and http://www.wakegov.com/