by Jan Brett

Readability grade 2, read aloud grade 1

A town mouse and a country mouse decide to switch houses with each other, each believing that they received the better part of the bargain. As soon as they arrive at their new homes both mice realize that the homes that they left behind are the ones that are the best for them. A charming story with beautiful illustrations that emphasizes to appreciate what we have. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence.

Find a class in a community that differs from yours. Ask them to be penpals with your class. Through the letters, focus on the community characteristics. At the end of the year, make a chart comparing the similarities and differences between the communities.