El ratón de ciudad y el ratón de campo

Abstract

This is a clever little 24-page pamphlet dealing with language concepts like antinomies, modes of transport, dining rooms, and neighborhoods. Foldout pages help to offer resources for reflections in these directions. Thus, just after we are introduced to Pico and Paco, we meet friends of theirs who are large and small, young and old, rich and poor. A city-scene forms the next foldout, with trucks, ambulances, motorcycles, taxis, and planes all illustrated. The centerfold is a double-foldout showing a dining room, complete with tableware, television, window, easy-chair, and rug. When the cat approaches, the two rats hide five different places before hurrying to a crack in the wall. There is a surprising ending here when the two are interrupted at their rural picnic by a cat again! There are some good activities at the end, including a crossword puzzle and some matching and pairing exercises. See the parallel French version from the same publisher in the same year.