The True Story of Trapper Jack's Left Big Toe

by Ian Wallace

Trapper Jack has only nine toes. The tenth, according to Josh's new friend, Gabe, is safe inside an empty tobacco tin behind the bar at the Sourdough Saloon. This rollicking tall tale, set in the Yukon, sends two boys and a three-legged dog on an astonishing adventure.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2002

About the author

1.Author and illustrator of children's books.

Reviews

[Sean Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kudos to the grisly premise that could be out of Stephen King's Derry although it clearly is the Canadian wilderness. There is a Faulkner-esque quality in capturing how the characters talk that is interesting as well but maybe because the story is true that is why the author isn't able to really develop the story beyond a sort of half-baked coming of age tale by way of Jack London.

[Misbah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I checked out this book because of the interesting title. Boy did it disappoint.

The whole story is about Trapper Jack, who lost a toe to frostbite. It is later revealed the he still has ten toes because he has 6 toes on his right for.

Big whoop.

[Joy Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun children's picture book about the tall tale of a man's lost toe. The illustrations are delightful and the story ends with an author's note that has the reader wondering if, in fact, this is a true story!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeously illustrated story about a trapper who lost his left big toe. Two boys find out what happened to it and where it is now. AND, it's a true story that might surprise the reader.

[Spencer Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very silly story that will certainly leave your children a little squeamish and giggling.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is so gross, I had to stop midway and gag. Then the author's note at the end of the book says that this is a true story. *gags again* At the Sourdough Saloon you can become a member of the Sourtoe Cocktail Club by drinking a cocktail with this amputated toe in it, if you allow the toe to "kiss" your lips as you finish the drink you can become a member. It says some 18,000 people have embraced the spirit of the Yukon and performed this ritual. Gross!

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining tale that brings the Yukon winter's to life and will have upper elementary kids squirming in anticipation of the truth behind Trapper Jack's toe. The language and references do feel out of date, so this might not be a book kids pick up on their own.

[Carol Waters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Points for the artwork, but frankly the story was a wash.