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The Story of Jumping Mouse: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner – A Native American Tale of a Mouse Who Becomes an Eagle for children
Based on a Native American legend, this is the tale of a compassionate, courageous mouse who journeys to a far-off land and becomes a magnificent soaring eagle. "Beautifully written and illustrated."--School Library Journal.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 1984
9 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
John Steptoe
20 books58 followersJohn Steptoe was an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books from New York City. He began working on his first children's book, Stevie, while still a teenager and achieved great success during his tragically short career, encouraging the advancement of African American culture by producing work about the African American experience that children could appreciate. Recipient of two Coretta Scott King Awards and two Caldecott Honors, Steptoe was posthumously honored by the creation of the John Steptoe New Talent Award, an award designated annually by the Coretta Scott King Award Task Force. Steptoe's best known work is Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, for which he won his second Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 29, 2019
The artwork is black and white. The drawings are very detailed and lovely, but I do wish it had been done in color.
The story is about a brave-hearted mouse with hope in his heart following his journey before him. He meets animals along the way that help him reach his goal, but little mouse has a giving compassionate heart that he makes some sacrifices for some animals along the way. He is given quite a gift at the end of his journey.
What I really love about this journey is that Jumping Mouse does not lose hope through everything he goes through. I can really learn a huge lesson from this. I must be honest and I can have a hard time holding onto hope during difficult times in life. I need to remember this little mouse and how he can hang on to hope through all he went through. It’s a big lesson.
The nephew thought this was an amazing story. He gave it 5 stars. He loved the little mouse and the nephew loved the ending. The niece liked this story also. She thought Jumping Mouse was very brave and she couldn’t believe he helped some of the animals the way he did. She gave this 4 stars.
The story is about a brave-hearted mouse with hope in his heart following his journey before him. He meets animals along the way that help him reach his goal, but little mouse has a giving compassionate heart that he makes some sacrifices for some animals along the way. He is given quite a gift at the end of his journey.
What I really love about this journey is that Jumping Mouse does not lose hope through everything he goes through. I can really learn a huge lesson from this. I must be honest and I can have a hard time holding onto hope during difficult times in life. I need to remember this little mouse and how he can hang on to hope through all he went through. It’s a big lesson.
The nephew thought this was an amazing story. He gave it 5 stars. He loved the little mouse and the nephew loved the ending. The niece liked this story also. She thought Jumping Mouse was very brave and she couldn’t believe he helped some of the animals the way he did. She gave this 4 stars.
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November 15, 2014Mouse likes the story of the far-off land that he heard from his elders, so one day he sets off on a journey to find it. When he comes to a pond he cannot cross, the magic frog appears and bestows on him the gift of jumping by giving him the name “Jumping Mouse.” Later on, Mouse comes across a bison that cannot see. He names him “Eyes of Mouse” and with that, he gives him the gift of sight. However, Mouse cannot see anymore. Then he meets a wolf that cannot smell and names him “Nose of a Mouse,” thus losing his own sense of smell, too, by bestowing it on the wolf. Finally, he reaches the far-off land, but he cannot experience it fully, because he cannot see or smell. The magic frog appears again, praising him for his unselfish spirit of hope, and tells him, “Jump high, Jumping Mouse.” Mouse begins seeing and smelling again, while rising up in the air. Frog gives him a new name – Eagle, and tells him he will live in the far-off land forever.
This is a retelling of a Native American legend. The origin, narrative style, and the symbolism of the naming ritual place it in the traditional genre.
This book can be used as a read-aloud with young students (K). For a picture book, the Lexile level is pretty high (AD500L), making it a suitable independent read for grades 2-3.
Educational concepts to teach with this book include sequence of events (chronology), retelling, characters (there is a fat lazy mouse in the story with whom Mouse stays for a while – students can compare and contrast the two mice). “PowerV” Word Selector on Lexile.com generated 10 challenging vocabulary words in this book that are important for students to know. These and other words can be incorporated into a vocabulary study. Students can use sticky notes as they read to write down words and the class can compile a word wall for the book
Themes to explore with this book include hope, perseverance, friendship and sacrifice. Students can discuss how Mouse’s gifts to other animals were essential to their survival (why does wolf need smell). Older students can analyze the meaning of wolf’s statement that he lost his smell because of pride. Social studies and multicultural perspectives can be integrated by exploring the significance of the Native American naming ritual. Students can conduct a research to compare and contrast the naming practices in various cultures. They can talk about their own names, why they were given the name, what it means etc.
This is a retelling of a Native American legend. The origin, narrative style, and the symbolism of the naming ritual place it in the traditional genre.
This book can be used as a read-aloud with young students (K). For a picture book, the Lexile level is pretty high (AD500L), making it a suitable independent read for grades 2-3.
Educational concepts to teach with this book include sequence of events (chronology), retelling, characters (there is a fat lazy mouse in the story with whom Mouse stays for a while – students can compare and contrast the two mice). “PowerV” Word Selector on Lexile.com generated 10 challenging vocabulary words in this book that are important for students to know. These and other words can be incorporated into a vocabulary study. Students can use sticky notes as they read to write down words and the class can compile a word wall for the book
Themes to explore with this book include hope, perseverance, friendship and sacrifice. Students can discuss how Mouse’s gifts to other animals were essential to their survival (why does wolf need smell). Older students can analyze the meaning of wolf’s statement that he lost his smell because of pride. Social studies and multicultural perspectives can be integrated by exploring the significance of the Native American naming ritual. Students can conduct a research to compare and contrast the naming practices in various cultures. They can talk about their own names, why they were given the name, what it means etc.
May 23, 2016
This Caldecott Honor book is a legend of a young mouse who sets off to find the far-off land. He meets Magic Frog who gives him the name of Jumping Mouse and now the little mouse is able to jump higher and farther before. As he continues on his journey, he encounters difficulty and also meets others who are in need of help. Each time, he unselfishly sacrifices and helps others and in turn receives help. Finally, his dreams come true...but perhaps not in the way he, or the reader, expect.
The illustrations are black and white and have great detail.
This could be used to talk about humility. It could also be used to talk about dreams and goals and not giving up on these dreams and goals. But perhaps, it would be best used to discuss compassion.
My one complaint: I wish it contained an author's note that told more about the origin of the story. It says it is based on a Native American legend and in the author's bio, Steptoe says he heard the story several years earlier and wrote it down from memory. He writes that he included many things that are his own. I wish he provided more information about where he heard the story, etc.
The illustrations are black and white and have great detail.
This could be used to talk about humility. It could also be used to talk about dreams and goals and not giving up on these dreams and goals. But perhaps, it would be best used to discuss compassion.
My one complaint: I wish it contained an author's note that told more about the origin of the story. It says it is based on a Native American legend and in the author's bio, Steptoe says he heard the story several years earlier and wrote it down from memory. He writes that he included many things that are his own. I wish he provided more information about where he heard the story, etc.
July 12, 2021
Beautiful.
Trent, when we finished, said, “Wow. That was a good book.”
Trent, when we finished, said, “Wow. That was a good book.”
November 14, 2011
This is another picture book more suited for older children, mostly just due to the length of the text. John Steptoe wrote the text (retold from a Native American legend) and drew the illustrations. The illustrations won a Caldecott honor in 1985.
I thought the illustrations were just okay. I didn't like them nearly as much as Steptoe's illustrations for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale. I think I would have liked the illustrations better in color. I didn't dislike them, but I didn't find them particularly memorable, either.
I'd never heard this particular Native American legend before, so I came away with several questions. Why is the frog magic? When the frog gave the mouse the power to jump, did he lose that power himself? Why does the power to do magic transfer from the frog to the mouse? At the end, Maybe these aren't the types of questions you can really ask when you're reading a legend. Let's just say this one didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
I thought the illustrations were just okay. I didn't like them nearly as much as Steptoe's illustrations for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale. I think I would have liked the illustrations better in color. I didn't dislike them, but I didn't find them particularly memorable, either.
I'd never heard this particular Native American legend before, so I came away with several questions. Why is the frog magic? When the frog gave the mouse the power to jump, did he lose that power himself? Why does the power to do magic transfer from the frog to the mouse? At the end, Maybe these aren't the types of questions you can really ask when you're reading a legend. Let's just say this one didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
June 1, 2016
1985 Caldecott Honor - Favorite Illustration: Right before the mouse meets the Magic Frog and is looking down into the river. There is so much detail in the drawings, I love the reflection of the mouse looking back at himself.
This is kind of a weird tale of a mouse who goes on a journey to reach the magical far-off lands. Along the way, he meets with several struggles and helps other creatures; earning a great reward at the end of the tale. I'm not entirely sure I liked this story, but I loved the beautiful black and white illustrations and all of the detail of how the world would look from a mouse point of view.
This is kind of a weird tale of a mouse who goes on a journey to reach the magical far-off lands. Along the way, he meets with several struggles and helps other creatures; earning a great reward at the end of the tale. I'm not entirely sure I liked this story, but I loved the beautiful black and white illustrations and all of the detail of how the world would look from a mouse point of view.
January 9, 2026
This is a lovely folktale about a mouse who helps other creatures, and is rewarded in turn (although he didn't assist with the intention of receiving a reward). The black and white pencil illustrations are well executed, especially the animals. There is one sentence about the source of this story on the verso of the title page, and the CIP indicates that it is a Great Plains Indian legend.
May 29, 2008
I love this book. It is such an interesting tale. The ending is so facinating. The artwork is beautiful detailed pencil.
April 30, 2016
Wonderful! This is the kind of storytelling I like. On the surface it is a wonderful adventure story about a brave, hopeful, and generous mouse who journeys to the far-off land.
If read between the lines, it is a metaphor for life and the importance of not giving up on your dreams, no matter what the challenges are and no matter if others think you foolish. It also shows the importance of being a good person and helping others even if it costs you, because we all need a little help sometimes.
"He lost hope of finding his dream and now his life is over." As long as you are alive and have hope, you have to keep fighting for your dreams.
The black and white pencil illustrations are lovely, though sometimes I had to pull back to see what was going on. Personally, I would have liked to see this story in watercolor, or even in the Native American style. However, my preferences do not take away from the beauty of this book.
If read between the lines, it is a metaphor for life and the importance of not giving up on your dreams, no matter what the challenges are and no matter if others think you foolish. It also shows the importance of being a good person and helping others even if it costs you, because we all need a little help sometimes.
"He lost hope of finding his dream and now his life is over." As long as you are alive and have hope, you have to keep fighting for your dreams.
The black and white pencil illustrations are lovely, though sometimes I had to pull back to see what was going on. Personally, I would have liked to see this story in watercolor, or even in the Native American style. However, my preferences do not take away from the beauty of this book.
May 30, 2009
This story appeals to Logan's love of animals and the text has a rhythm that's kind of mesmerizing. The B&W illustrations are what drew me to this book. They are detailed, lifelike, and emotionally-charged. The first 5 or 6 times I read this aloud, I choked up at the end and Logan would ask me what was wrong. I found it hard to describe how beauty and transformation can make a person tearful, but I tried. Logan asks for this book frequently. I know that there are many versions of this story and I do feel that this version is a bit too simplified, but we do enjoy it. If you google the title, there are a number of native american sites that have other versions of the story and I plan to read those to Logan at some point.
February 13, 2008
The journey of a little mouse that displays unconditional love. A great tale to include in your storytelling collection.
November 4, 2012
1.) Genre- Traditional Picture Book
2.) Summary- After hearing tales of the Far Off Land, a young mouse journeys to find it. Along the way he meets a magical frog who bestows upon him a name (Jumping Mouse) and magical powers. Through trials and difficulties Jumping Mouse meets a variety of other animals all in need of his help. With great selflessness, Jumping Mouse helps the other animals and is rewarded for his good deeds by becoming an eagle who will dwell in the Far Off Land forever.
3.)a.) Area of focus- Illustrations and Theme
3.)b.) The illustrations in this text are both bold and bland in black and white. While this detracts from the book as a whole, it does place greater emphasis on the theme--helping others and keeping hope alive at all costs.
3.)c.) The entire book is drawn in stark black and white pictures. While this style is definitely bold, it lacks in terms of reader engagement. Some of the illustrations are difficult to decipher due to their colors and perspective. Towards the end of the book is a picture of Magic Frog and Jumping Mouse huddled together. I had to stretch the book out away from my face in order to see what was going on in the picture. The other side of using such uninspiring artwork is that it does place greater emphasis on the text in the story. Readers will appreciate the tale and theme--sacrificing to help others and always keeping hope alive.
4.) Curriculum Connections- As a 1985 Caldecott Honor, this book is definitely on the dated side of the spectrum. However, the one good thing about legends is that they tend to age well. While The Story of Jumping Mouse may have some issues for keeping the focus of contemporary readers with stark and busy illustrations, the themes make up for it. This book could be used to demonstrate the powers of helping others or the benefits of tenacity.
2.) Summary- After hearing tales of the Far Off Land, a young mouse journeys to find it. Along the way he meets a magical frog who bestows upon him a name (Jumping Mouse) and magical powers. Through trials and difficulties Jumping Mouse meets a variety of other animals all in need of his help. With great selflessness, Jumping Mouse helps the other animals and is rewarded for his good deeds by becoming an eagle who will dwell in the Far Off Land forever.
3.)a.) Area of focus- Illustrations and Theme
3.)b.) The illustrations in this text are both bold and bland in black and white. While this detracts from the book as a whole, it does place greater emphasis on the theme--helping others and keeping hope alive at all costs.
3.)c.) The entire book is drawn in stark black and white pictures. While this style is definitely bold, it lacks in terms of reader engagement. Some of the illustrations are difficult to decipher due to their colors and perspective. Towards the end of the book is a picture of Magic Frog and Jumping Mouse huddled together. I had to stretch the book out away from my face in order to see what was going on in the picture. The other side of using such uninspiring artwork is that it does place greater emphasis on the text in the story. Readers will appreciate the tale and theme--sacrificing to help others and always keeping hope alive.
4.) Curriculum Connections- As a 1985 Caldecott Honor, this book is definitely on the dated side of the spectrum. However, the one good thing about legends is that they tend to age well. While The Story of Jumping Mouse may have some issues for keeping the focus of contemporary readers with stark and busy illustrations, the themes make up for it. This book could be used to demonstrate the powers of helping others or the benefits of tenacity.
July 5, 2017
A very beautiful Native American legend that explores the need to explore far off places to soothe one's soul, the compassionate helping of others even if it means self-sacrifice and hardships as well as the help that is returned to one who has given sincerely. Although some of these lessons don't seem compatible in these times they are still wonderful to know within the heart.
The illustrations truly seem to make the book itself even though there is no color. They capture the animals and the scenery in their detailed drawings while allowing the reader to know exactly where Jumping Mouse has made it. There is power within the illustrations as you continue further into the journey that is being made.
The writing is simple and easy-to-follow. I did have problems, though, with the font as in places it seemed that it was faded so it was hard to read. I am not quite sure if this was just a typo of the e-book formatting or if this is the way the actual book is printed so I would love to get my hands on a physical copy for a comparison.
Again for those who like legends or needs a nice warm story I would definitely recommend this book. For children it should be up to their parents' consent for although it isn't graphically gory or violent there could be some problems depending on how a child may interpret the story. All in all a wonderful and quick read!
The illustrations truly seem to make the book itself even though there is no color. They capture the animals and the scenery in their detailed drawings while allowing the reader to know exactly where Jumping Mouse has made it. There is power within the illustrations as you continue further into the journey that is being made.
The writing is simple and easy-to-follow. I did have problems, though, with the font as in places it seemed that it was faded so it was hard to read. I am not quite sure if this was just a typo of the e-book formatting or if this is the way the actual book is printed so I would love to get my hands on a physical copy for a comparison.
Again for those who like legends or needs a nice warm story I would definitely recommend this book. For children it should be up to their parents' consent for although it isn't graphically gory or violent there could be some problems depending on how a child may interpret the story. All in all a wonderful and quick read!
October 19, 2016
1. Book summary, in your own words (3 pts)
The Story of Jumping Mouse is a Caldecott Honor Book. It is about a mouse with a dream to see the far-off land. A magic frog gives him the gift of jumping legs to travel to the land. On the way, the mouse gives gifts to several animals in need of his help.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
This book would be great for students in the 3rd-5th grade. It is a very sweet book, very easy to read.
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
I would use this book in the reading part of my class. I would want to use it to show the kids how rewarding being unselfish is, etc.
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
Students interested in animals would love this book.
5. Small group use (literature circles) (1 pt)
I could use this book in small groups for students to practice reading and discussing together.
6. Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
I would like to read this book aloud to the class and then discuss the meaning of the story with the class.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale by Gerald Mc Dermott
Many Moons by James Thurber
8. Multimedia connections (audio books, movie) available (1 pt)
No multimedia connections to this book.
The Story of Jumping Mouse is a Caldecott Honor Book. It is about a mouse with a dream to see the far-off land. A magic frog gives him the gift of jumping legs to travel to the land. On the way, the mouse gives gifts to several animals in need of his help.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
This book would be great for students in the 3rd-5th grade. It is a very sweet book, very easy to read.
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
I would use this book in the reading part of my class. I would want to use it to show the kids how rewarding being unselfish is, etc.
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
Students interested in animals would love this book.
5. Small group use (literature circles) (1 pt)
I could use this book in small groups for students to practice reading and discussing together.
6. Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
I would like to read this book aloud to the class and then discuss the meaning of the story with the class.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale by Gerald Mc Dermott
Many Moons by James Thurber
8. Multimedia connections (audio books, movie) available (1 pt)
No multimedia connections to this book.
November 10, 2011
**** This picture book offers the reader beautiful illustrations which accompany a powerful story of sacrifice and compassion. I found myself wondering what was going to happen next as I read.
A young mouse sets off on a long journey to reach the far-off land the elder mice tell stories of. Along the way he mets others in need who he helps and obstacles. Through it all he never forgets his ultimate goal of making it to the far-off land.
Jumping mouse is a compassionate young mouse who sets out to find the far-off land. He has faith in himself and in his quest.
Magic Frog helps the young mouse by giving him the name Jumping Mouse. He is wise and magical.
Fat Mouse is a fat lazy mouse who gave up on his dreams long ago.
Themes: self discovery, faith, compassion, rewards.
Genre: Picture book, Legends
The Story of Jumping Mouse is a Caldecott Honor Book. It is also a retelling of a Native American legend. It would be a great book to use for teaching synthesizing and questioning.
A young mouse sets off on a long journey to reach the far-off land the elder mice tell stories of. Along the way he mets others in need who he helps and obstacles. Through it all he never forgets his ultimate goal of making it to the far-off land.
Jumping mouse is a compassionate young mouse who sets out to find the far-off land. He has faith in himself and in his quest.
Magic Frog helps the young mouse by giving him the name Jumping Mouse. He is wise and magical.
Fat Mouse is a fat lazy mouse who gave up on his dreams long ago.
Themes: self discovery, faith, compassion, rewards.
Genre: Picture book, Legends
The Story of Jumping Mouse is a Caldecott Honor Book. It is also a retelling of a Native American legend. It would be a great book to use for teaching synthesizing and questioning.
November 10, 2022
I did not really care for the story and thought it odd. Perhaps if I would have known beforehand that it was based on a Native American legend, I may have liked it a little more. I don't know. I guess I should read the full title first, haha.
Ages: 5 - 9
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
*Note: this book is wordier than other picture books so will take longer to get through.
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Ages: 5 - 9
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
*Note: this book is wordier than other picture books so will take longer to get through.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
May 14, 2010
I chose this book at random from the library shelf, and was disappointed to see I'd picked "a long one" the night I picked it up to read as a bedtime story.
The thing about Jumping Mouse, though, is that it's so engrossing and its lessons are so valuable, I'd have read myself hoarse to get to the end. (At which point, I'm sure a lovely pencil-illustrated forest creature would have given me some sort of enchanted gift in exchange for my sacrifice.)
Regardless, this story is a gift. I didn't realize it was a Native American folktale when I picked it up, but this is truly a story that knows no cultural boundaries. If you read this book--I don't care what age you are--and it doesn't open your eyes to your own potential and the gifts of all those around you, then YOU FAIL, my friend. It's on YOU.
The thing about Jumping Mouse, though, is that it's so engrossing and its lessons are so valuable, I'd have read myself hoarse to get to the end. (At which point, I'm sure a lovely pencil-illustrated forest creature would have given me some sort of enchanted gift in exchange for my sacrifice.)
Regardless, this story is a gift. I didn't realize it was a Native American folktale when I picked it up, but this is truly a story that knows no cultural boundaries. If you read this book--I don't care what age you are--and it doesn't open your eyes to your own potential and the gifts of all those around you, then YOU FAIL, my friend. It's on YOU.
May 13, 2012
Jumping Mouse wants to journey to the far-off land and receives legs that help him jump twice as high from Magic Frog. The journey is far from easy. Along the way Jumping Mouse encounters creatures of all sizes who are in need and Jumping Mouse selflessly gives of himself to fulfill their needs. First he gives his eyesight to a bison. Then, he gives his sense of smell to a wolf, but both creatures are so blessed by Jumping Mouse's gifts that they help him reach the far-off land by offering him protection on his journey. Once he reaches the far-off land Magic Frog tranforms Jumping Mouse into an eagle and declares that he will always be a resident of the far-off land. Beautiful story brought to life through black and white illustrations. The animals are displayed in all their beauty and glory yet also embody a human spirit in their moments of need. Must see.
April 21, 2015
A little mouse sets off in search of the great land far beyond he has heard and dreamed of. The way there has challenges, but Magic Frog gives the little mouse the ability to jump which helps make things easier. Along the way, Jumping Mouse comes across others animals in need, and with magic from Magic Frog he self-sacrificially gives away of his magic and senses to help them. In the end, Jumping Mouse reaches his destination but cannot see or smell it due to his acts of kindness until Magic Frog rewards his unselfishness.
I absolutely love Steptoe's illustrations, even though they are black and white, they are still incredible. The story itself is also wonderful. Jumping Mouse is so sweet and kind, he's a great little hero and role model. Those studying Native Americans can use this tale from their folklore, as could those studying the ecosystems of the American West.
I absolutely love Steptoe's illustrations, even though they are black and white, they are still incredible. The story itself is also wonderful. Jumping Mouse is so sweet and kind, he's a great little hero and role model. Those studying Native Americans can use this tale from their folklore, as could those studying the ecosystems of the American West.
January 31, 2017
Mouse wants to travel to far away lands. He first encounters Magic Frog who helps him cross a river by naming him Jumping Mouse and giving him the ability to jump. Along the way mouse meets different creatures and helps them the way Magic Frog helped him. Although as Jumping Mouse helps them, he loses the ability he has given them. For example, he gave a bison the gift of sight and then Jumping Mouse loses his sight. Happily, Jumping Mouses' kind spirit is rewarded at the end.
The black and white illustrations use shading very effectively. The illustrations are a bit abstract, but the character images are large enough to pop out on the pages.
The black and white illustrations use shading very effectively. The illustrations are a bit abstract, but the character images are large enough to pop out on the pages.
October 5, 2017
I liked everything about this book except the ending, which came completely out of nowhere and made very little sense. Jumping Mouse’s selflessness and desire to do more than just sit around eating berries is inspiring, and I expected the ending to reward him differently than it did. Still, the lifelike illustrations are eye-catching, even only in black-and-white, and it was fun trying to imagine how each animal might speak as I read the book aloud to my husband.
February 25, 2017
Caldecott Honor book with lots of words. It seems like I found a bunch of Caldecott Honor books that all retell legends and folktales with more than the typical amount of words for a picture book. This is yet another one. Though in this one the Jumping Mouse is a clear hero with wants and goals and a big heart. The text is very readable, the art beautiful but not overdone. And there's a nice twist at the end, though it's kind of a big leap.
September 7, 2019
I have no idea how authentic this "native American" story is - I'm guessing not very. However, it felt like the author was trying to capture a richness and layering that would probably be present in the oral tradition, and considering this is from the 80s, I'm going to cut some slack. The story has a sweet feel that the black and white illustrations work well with. Inauthentic, but attempting to be respectful would probably be my call on this one.
March 4, 2017
This is a retelling of a Native American tale about a mouse on a journey who is rewarded for his compassionate acts. I think it is a great story and the illustrations are beautiful, but the story is a bit long for young children.
March 29, 2017
What really makes this story are the illustrations. The story itself is short. It is a tale of the journey through life, and that to become the best one can be is to give of oneself to others to help them to become the best they can be.
March 8, 2014
**** Caldecott Honor (1985) ****
Vibrant black and white imagery gives depth and nuance to a story of journey and discovery. Very beautiful and well deserving of the Caldecott Honor.
Vibrant black and white imagery gives depth and nuance to a story of journey and discovery. Very beautiful and well deserving of the Caldecott Honor.
July 2, 2022
Uplifting. Illustrations are in black & white.
Small mouse encounters:
-- A Magic Frog
-- A Fat Desert Mouse
-- A Blind Bison
-- A Wolf, whose lost their sense of smell
Hope is selfish, but the journey is humbling. Hope brings hardships, but with it compassion.
Small mouse encounters:
-- A Magic Frog
-- A Fat Desert Mouse
-- A Blind Bison
-- A Wolf, whose lost their sense of smell
Hope is selfish, but the journey is humbling. Hope brings hardships, but with it compassion.
July 13, 2024
Moral of the story is donate all your organs and reincarnate as a bird
July 20, 2022
I forgot how much I loved this story! I read it to my daughter today.
February 28, 2010
The story of a determined mouse to get to the far away land, this story was fantastic. It is a Native American tale. The story is about a little mouse that was eager to get to the far off land. His will and determination are second to none. On his journey to the far away land, he has some setbacks, but he is determined to reach his destination. He comes across Magic frog that helps him cross the water. The frog is a great jumper and helps the little mouse on his journey. The mouse is amazed at the frog’s great skill. As they part ways little mouse thanks the frog and continues on his journey. However, his new friend leaves him with a most precious gift – his jumping skill. Now the mouse has the skill to hop like no other. He next meets a fat mouse. The two become friends and little mouse stays a while with the fat mouse. Before he realizes, he too is a fat mouse. He next meets a blind bison. The bison cannot see the path to the far off land, but he hides the mouse from the predators in the sky as the mouse hops along. Little mouse leaves his new friend, but not without bestowing on him the gift of sight. Now blind, the determined little mouse continues on his way and he meets a wolf that could not smell. Well, the wolf could not smell any predators or dangers, but he could see them. He became the mouse’s eyes to get to the far off land. Once again Little mouse part ways with his new friend, but not before bestowing on him the gift of smell. He finally arrives at the far off land, the place he had been dreaming about for so long and worked so hard to get to, but it quite disappointing because he could see the beautiful sights or smell the wonderful smells. The ending of the story is one of the best endings to a story, I have ever read.
This story is wonderful for all ages because of the theme of the story. This book involves keeping one’s faith and not giving up. It relies the ideas of showing empathy to others and being good inside. Children can get to understand when you do good things, good things may happen in return. Anyone who cares to read a truly magical story with life lessons will love this book. John Steptoe received the Caldecott Award for this book.
This story is wonderful for all ages because of the theme of the story. This book involves keeping one’s faith and not giving up. It relies the ideas of showing empathy to others and being good inside. Children can get to understand when you do good things, good things may happen in return. Anyone who cares to read a truly magical story with life lessons will love this book. John Steptoe received the Caldecott Award for this book.
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