Mule School

by Julia Rawlinson, Lynne Chapman (Illustrator)

Stomper the mule isn't sure about the rules at mule school. The other mules are as stubborn as ... well ... a mule! But Stomper doesn't want to be stubborn all the time. So when a terrible disaster strikes, it's up to Stomper to save his classmates from their own stubbornness and make them realize that sometimes it's good to be different ... A fun-filled, stompingly great story!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, School, Storytime, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

I grew up in London, close to Richmond Park - a beautiful deer park big enough to get lost in, where I got to know lots of the animals who have since popped up in my stories.

I have always loved writing poetry - I enjoy the sound and rhythm of words and the first things I published were poems. When I had my children I started writing stories for picture books, and my first book, Fred and the Little Egg, was published in 2005. Since then I have written lots of stories about rabbits, bears, mules, dragons, hedgehogs, squirrels, mice, a kind-hearted but easily confused fox... and a girl called Molly.

I have been lucky enough to work with some wonderful illustrators, and my books have been published in many languages.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mule goes to school and he likes it except for when it is time for Stubbornness. Stomper does not want to be stubborn, he doesn't want to tell others no because sometimes it is better to say yes. He refuses to say no to everything that is asked of him. Going through the Stubbornness Tests, Mule definitely fails, thinking he is a weak mule. HIs friend tries to tell him otherwise but Stomper must realize on his own that he is not weak, for him to believe it. I liked the ending as Stomper's determination pays off. The illustrations are bright and fill the pages.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hard to explain to my 4-year-old who doesn't really know anything about mules. My child didn't understand why they would learn about stubbornness and kicking at school. The mules are taught to say things my child is told NOT to say (won't and never).


Stomper Mule had to guard a pile of apples. Pig asked for some for her hungry piglets. He should "Help yourself" when he should have said no. He was sent to replace the apples & heard a noise. It was a bursting dam. He tried to warn the mules playing in the field but they didn't hear him. He kicked logs & rocks & built a dam to save his friends. Then teacher realized not all mules are the same. She added choices to the classes. They could choose kicking or flower arranging, stubbornness or poetry, etc.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it suffers from a formulaic plot, Mule School has cuteness cornered.

In this classic fish-out-of water story, Stomper is a mule who doesn’t want to be stubborn. In a school in which the daily schedule reads “Stubbornness, Kicking, Lunch,” this doesn’t go over well with his peers or teacher.

But when Stomper’s unconventional thinking rescues his classmates from a flood, they are forced to reconsider their ways and change the schedule at Mule School.

It’s a tried-and-true storyline that’s been done a million times in children’s media, but the book’s clever imagery (such as the detail in the classroom) will win over readers.

[Jennie Park]

This is one of my favorite stories! We can use this to incorporate many different lessons. The story is about a mule who is taught to say "NO!" and expected to be stubborn at all times. However, this mule is different than all his peers and teachers and has a new idea about how maybe he might want to listen to someone instead of saying "no no no!" all the time. This book is great for pleasure reading, independent reading, and even in large groups.

[Kate McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stomper attends Mule School where the lessons revolve around being stubborn and kicking. Stomper thinks that there might be times and good reason to say yes and listen to advice. When his teacher and classmates decide to be stubborn toward rushing water from a broken dam, Stomper must save them and hope that a mule can really changes it's nature.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book and the simple lesson in the importance of individuality it teaches. I think I would read this to an early elementary class.

[Cosette Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book that teaches kids that we all have our strengths and it is OK to be different.

[Tina B · Rating 3 out of 5]

"mules, school, okay to like different things"

[Elizabeth S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biggest complaint is that Stomper is the main character, and Stamper is one of his friends. Ouch. Otherwise, a nicely done book.

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. It is a clear picture of how all people or things are not alike. As a teacher it shows the importance of have alternate activities for children.

[Rose]

E Raw