Mini Picturebook Lesson 15: Max the Brave by Ed Vere

Notes

Synopsis	A story about Max, a kitten, who wants to be a mouse-catcher but needs to know what a mouse looks like first!
Lesson access	via url-link or QR-Code
Equipment for child	tablet, phone or laptop, internet connection, perhaps headphones
Materials	dictionary (online or paper), craft materials
Language Skills	listening, vocabulary (verbs), speaking (read aloud)
Cross-curricular Links	science, drama, art and design
Values	determination, bravery, asking for accurate information
World Event Day	International Cat Day

Equipment: dictionary (online or paper), tablet or laptop & internet connection and perhaps headphones

Materials: paper, coloured pens and pencils, a scarf or cape

Time: 20-30 minutes

STEP 1: Look at the Cover

Look	Max is a cat. What other creatures can you see?
Look	What is Max wearing? Why do you think he is wearing a cape?
Look and check	Look at the title. Look up the meaning of ‘brave’. How do you say brave in your language? Are you brave?
Research	What are baby cats called?
Research	What do cats like to chase?
Look	Describe Max’s body language and facial expression.
Check & Repeat	Look up the meaning of the action verbs: to scurry by, to dash outside, to scoot by and to skitter by. Say the words quickly and slowly and invent actions to go with them.
Predict	Why do you think Max is brave? What do you think Max chases in this story?

Step 2 and Step 3: Listen and Watch

Part A	Listen and watch for general understanding and enjoyment.
Part B	Listen and watch again and answer the questions, pause and replay when you need to.
	What words are used to describe Max?
	What two things does Max have around his neck? Which one does he prefer?
	What does Max need to do?
	Where does Max look for a mouse first?
	Which creatures does he meet while looking for mouse? Do they help Max?
	What sound does the elephant make?
	Which creature says it is a monster but is not? Why does it do this?
	Is Max surprised when he finds what he is looking for? Why?
	What does Max say to the monster?
	What does Max want to do with the monster?
	What does the monster do with Max?
	Why does the monster sneeze?
	What does Max decide to change?

Step 4: Add your Voice

Review & Make Notes	Watch again: Which creature says: scurry by, dash outside, scoot by and skitter by?
Review & Repeat with Ed	“Excuse me, please, but are you Mouse?” “I’m not Mouse, I’m ________.” “But I just saw Mouse ____________.”
Think	Does Max get any help from the animals? Does their advice help? Why? Why not?
Copy	Recreate the cover. Stand in the middle of your room. Find a cape (or similar) and copy Max’s body language and facial expression. How do you feel?
Personalise	Max did not like the pink ribbon. Why? How do you think it made him feel? Do you have any clothes you don’t like? Why?
Research	Are elephants afraid of mice? What about fish or flies? Are they afraid of mice?
Create	Draw a new friend for Max.
Create & Write	Write a description of his new friend, hobbies, likes and dislikes.
Think	What do you think is the message of this story?
Your opinion	Which is your favourite part of the story?