Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse is a sweet story about friendship and differences. The story involves a mouse named Alexander and a wind-up mouse named Willy. They quickly becomes friends. When Willy is suddenly in danger of being thrown out, Alexander uses an opportunity where he could have helped himself, to instead help Willy.
This book would be great for kindergarten through 2nd grade. It teaches about selflessness and consideration. It also teaches that even though someone might look the same on the outside, they can be very different on the inside.
I would have small reading groups read this story and pause at certain parts of the book to ask what they think might happen next. I might draw a picture of what they think might happen next and have them share it with their group.