Title: Mice & Beans Author: Pam Munoz Ryan Illustrator: Joe Cepeda
About The Book:
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ALA
Notable Book |
Mice and Beans is the story of Rosa Maria, who spends a
week preparing for her granddaughter’s birthday party unaware that in her
kitchen cupboards, the mice who live there are planning their own celebration.
About The
Author:
Pam Munoz Ryan has
written over twenty-five books for young people, including Esperanza Rising (a
Pura Belpre’ Award Winner) and Riding Freedom (Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee)
and When Marian Sang (an ALA Honor Book).
Ms. Ryan received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Diego
State University and began life as a teacher, then migrated to administration
before becoming a full-time writer. She
currently lives in San Diego County with her husband and four children. For more information, you can visit her
website by clicking here.
About The
Illustrator:
Joe Cepeda is an
accomplished artist who first went to college to study engineering. He later returned and concentrated his
studies on art. He admonishes children
who want to become illustrators to read and study math. Mr. Cepeda has done many magazine
illustrations in addition to children’s books.
For more information about this author and his books, click here.
Before Reading
Activity:
Divide the
children into groups and form committees to create the perfect birthday
party. Organize committees to decide
upon the time, place, food, games and invitations. Have each group present their findings to the rest of the class
for their approval. This activity
encourages creative thinking and teamwork.
After Reading
Activity:
Using the instructions given at this website, make a simple piñata with the children, fill it with candy and let them take turns with a Nerfä baseball bat trying to break it. This activity encourages cooperative learning and teamwork.