Mouse Count!

Ok, let me start by saying that this is totally over the top.  BUT SO WORTH IT!

It started when I was at a bookstore and I found the fabulous over-sized board book version of Ellen Stoll Walsh's "Mouse Count."  I already loved "Mouse Paint" but "Mouse Count" immediately inspired me.  I wanted to create props that we could use to act out the story.



Mouse Count!



I made the snake using one of my father-in-law's old ties.  I used stuffing and a wire coat hanger to fill it out and make it 3D.  I stitched it closed, added a flannel tongue and glued on some eyes to create a great big snake that kids are just fascinated by.  I stuffed it pretty firm, so he extends out when I hold him--it definitely makes him more animated. 



The whole set

I made the rock 'mouse' using a chunk of homemade clay--flour, salt, oil and food coloring.  I made it vaguely mouse-shaped and let it dry solid. 

Making the pattern

For the little mousies, I made a paper pattern by folding a piece of cardstock and cutting out a cone shape.  Then I whipstitched the long edges to make a felt cone, and then stitched a circle on to close it--mostly remembering to add the tails and fill them with rice before totally closing the opening.



Mouse Booty



I added pinched circles for the ears, googly eyes, and little bells for noses.  I found a jar at Goodwill and that was all!

Sometimes I hand the mice out if I have a small enough crowd, otherwise I just hide the mice around the front of the room--including the rock 'mouse'--before we start storytime.  I show the book, but usually I just tell the story and move around with the snake and the jar collecting all the mice.

It's a labor-intensive one, for sure, but as I said in the beginning, it is completely worth it.  I'd really like to make another set that's sturdier and put it together as a kit for kids to check out.  It's amazing watching them act out the story on their own terms!