The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

Once upon a time, in a busy city, there lived a little city mouse named Max. One day, he decided to visit his cousin, a country mouse named Clara. Max was excited to see Clara and to explore her peaceful home.

When Max arrived, Clara greeted him with a warm hug. “Welcome, Max! Would you like to eat?” she asked. Max smiled but looked at the plain food on the table. “This food is nice, but in the city, we have fancy meals!” he said.

Clara was curious. “What’s it like in the city?” she asked.

“Let me show you!” Max replied. So, they packed their bags and headed to the city together.

When they reached the city, Max took Clara to a big restaurant. They feasted on delicious cheese, juicy fruits, and yummy pastries. But then, something scary happened! Suddenly, a big cat came into the restaurant! Max and Clara quickly ran under the table, their hearts racing.

After the cat left, Clara said, “Max, this food is tasty, but I am scared!”

Max nodded. “You are right, Clara. Living in the city can be fun, but it can also be dangerous.”

Clara smiled softly. “I like my quiet home in the country. I think I will go back.”

And so, Clara returned to her country home, where she felt safe and happy. Max realized that a simple, peaceful life was better than a rich life full of fear.

Moral:

A simple, peaceful life is better than a rich, dangerous one.

Additional Lessons:

• Contentment: Clara’s appreciation for her simple, peaceful life in the country over the excitement of the city reflects contentment with what she has.
• Courage: Both Max and Clara show courage in facing new environments, but ultimately, Clara’s decision to return to safety shows bravery in choosing what’s best for her peace of mind.

Parenting Tip: This story teaches children to appreciate the value of safety and simplicity over glamour and danger. Use it as an opportunity to discuss the importance of feeling secure and content with what we have. Encourage your child to think about the environments they feel happiest and safest in.

Fun Questions For Curious Kids:

Here are some thoughtful and engaging questions to discuss:

• Why do you think Max wanted Clara to see the city?
• How did Clara feel when the cat came into the restaurant?
• Would you prefer to live in the city with fancy food or in the country where it’s peaceful? Why?
• What would you do if you saw a big, scary cat like Max and Clara did?
• How can people in the city stay safe while enjoying the excitement?
• What do you think Max learned from Clara about life in the country?
• If you were Clara, would you visit the city again, or stay in the country?
• What kind of life do you think is best: one with lots of things, or one where you feel safe and happy?

Did You Know? Fun Facts!

1. Mice are excellent jumpers, swimmers, and climbers, which helps them escape predators!
2. Mice use their whiskers to sense their surroundings, especially in the dark.
3. A mouse’s favorite snack is grains and seeds, but they also love cheese (just like Max and Clara!).
4. Cats can hear sounds up to 64,000 Hz, which is much higher than humans!
5. They use their whiskers to detect objects around them, even in the dark.
6. A cat can run up to 30 miles per hour in short bursts—no wonder Max and Clara had to run fast!
7. Cities are home to millions of people and animals, including pigeons, rats, and squirrels!
8. In the countryside, you’ll find fewer people but more wildlife, like deer, rabbits, and birds.
9. City lights at night are so bright that some stars can’t be seen from big cities.

Download Free Coloring Pages Related To This Story

Bring the story to life with coloring pages designed to spark creativity and make story time even more fun. Coloring helps kids express their creativity, improve focus, and reinforce the story’s themes in a fun, engaging way. After reading together, let them bring the story to life with colors!

Click on any of the free coloring pages below to download or print it!