Mike Fink: A Tall Tale

A Tall Tale

by Steven Kellogg (Retold & illustrated by)

Kids love this funny and energetic picture book portrayal of one of America's most famous frontiersmen and larger-than-life heroes. This picture book has been a favorite for generations. Bursting with energy and perfect for reading aloud at home or in the classroom, Mike Fink is an excellent choice for storytime. Mike Fink was king of the keelboatmen—the strongest, rowdiest bunch of fellows ever to work on the Mississippi. Mike was a whole lot more than a keelboater—yes, sir! He was a crack shot and the best grizzly and gator wrestler on the river. They don't make 'em like Mike these days, now do they? But what will Mike do when the larger, faster, smoke-spewing steamboats attempt to take over the rivers? A good supplement for units on tall tales, folktales, American history, and the Mississippi River. And just a fun read-aloud for sharing.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Folklore, Adventure, Fiction, Classics, Folk Tales

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Steven Kellogg is an author and illustrator who has contributed over 90 books for children. He is best known for writing books about animals, for which he credits his grandmother .

Reviews

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many tall tale stories from the legendary Steven Kellogg, but this is honestly the first time that I had checked out Steven Kellogg’s work on an unknown tall tale hero, “Mike Fink!” I must say that this is definitely one tall tale story that you should check out!

Mike Fink was always born for adventure, especially during an incident when he was two days old and he ran away from home to join up with a group of acrobatic frogs! When Mike got older, he started wrestling with other boys twice his size and he always came out on top! One day, however when Mike was planning on becoming a Keel Boatman, he meets up with Jack Carpenter, the King of the keel boatmen and he wanted to wrestle with him. But, Jack proved to be much stronger than Mike and he ends up throwing Mike into the Rocky Mountains, where Mike ends up meeting a group of bears that are constantly shown wrestling each other. After Mike spends some time practicing wrestling with these bears, he goes back to Jack Carpenter and…

Does Mike end up winning his fight with Jack Carpenter and what other adventures will Mike Fink go on next?

Read this book to find out!

*Now, judging by that summary, you might think that the whole point of this book was Mike’s fight with Jack Carpenter, but oh no. That is not the end of Mike’s adventures! Just for the sake of not spoiling too much in this book, I just cut the summary off at Mike’s meeting with Jack Carpenter!*

Wow! I have read many tall tales during my time, but I had never read a tall tale story that stars Mike Fink before. I have heard of Mike Fink in other tall tales stories like “Davy Crockett” and “Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett,” but I have never read any stories that featured him as a solo character. Now, I finally got that chance with Steven Kellogg’s rendition of this larger than life tall tale hero! I honestly enjoyed this retelling of this unknown tall tale hero as before, I did not know much about Mike Fink until I read this book and now that I read this book, I am definitely looking forward to reading more stories about Mike Fink! I loved the way that Steven Kellogg brings humor and adventure to this tall tale as Mike Fink is constantly being shown taking down opponents that are much larger than him and yet, he is always determined to become the strongest Keel Boatman no matter what kind of odds are stacked against him. I also loved the exaggerated and hilarious adventures that Mike Fink has throughout his life such as playing around with acrobatic frogs and wrestling with grizzly bears as they bring so much creativity to this story! Steven Kellogg’s artwork was also beautiful and impressive to look at, especially during the scenes where Mike is doing various stunts that would make you scratch your head in confusion and yet be awed by the awesomeness of those stunts! I especially loved the artwork of the landscapes in the Rocky Mountains as they look realistic and beautiful and they give the story a sense of beauty while also providing an adventurous tone.

The only thing about this book that sort of rubbed me the wrong way was how the book ended. I mean, it is sort of a clean cut ending as in the story is wrapped up nicely, but at the same time I expected to see more from the final fight that Mike engages in. I would have loved to see more illustrations that detailed the final fight rather than just leaving it up to the audience’s imagination about what happened after that fight (by the way, I am not telling you what the final fight was all about so that way, I would not spoil too much about this book)!

Overall, “Mike Fink” is a fantastic story that really details the adventures of one of the lesser known tall tale heroes in a humorous and adventurous way. Anyone who wants to check out the fun adventures of Mike Fink or find a good book that is all about Mike Fink, you should definitely give this book a whirl!

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's a tall tale I'd never heard before about a rough and tumble keelboatman named Mike Fink. The book follows Mike's adventurous story from his rambunctious infancy to his showdown with a steamboat for the title of King of the River. Cute tale, and there was bear wrestling, but Mike is no Paul Bunyan.

[Jamie.C · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the details, and the way it showed the great pictures

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retelling of the legend of Mike Fink, American folk hero.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

An American tall tale. A good story time read.

[Marissa Flavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Mike Fink was born for adventure and dreamed of being the King of the Keelboatmen but was held back by his parents and his lack lack of strength to defeat the current Keelboat King. It took determination, hard work, and perseverance for him to become the mightiest man and to finally achieve his goal as the undefeated King of the Keelboatmen.

Characteristics That Support the Genre: Mike Fink, is known as a tall tale hero because of his larger than life, adventurous lifestyle. He forgoes hardships but pushes past them with fight and a positive attitude. The story contains humor and is full of fun adventures for the reader.

Mentor Writing Traits:
Idea- The story talks about failure and how it shouldn’t bring a person down. Readers should look at tough experiences as a challenge and how they will fight and work hard to get past obstacles and accomplish their goals.
Presentation: Illustrations are presented in a realistic but comical form. Illustrations are also very detailed and give a lot of background information for the readers to look at and be imaginative with.

Classroom Integration: Students will read the Mike Fink tall tale and then read two or three other tall tales such as John Henry or Johnny Appleseed. They will then come up with comparisons and differences between Mike Fink and another tale. Students will draw their favorite character from one of the tall tales and use describing words or character traits that best represent the character using details from the text (ex. Mike Fink being an unbeatable wrestler or Johnny Appleseed growing apples).

Other Suggestions: I will also use this book for students to set goals. Student will come up with one of two goals they currently have and will come up with an action plan to complete their goals.

Book Level: 4.9, Lower Grades

[Alyssa Baxter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. The book had themes of perseverance and individuality. The illustrations were colorful and full of movement, but those were really the only thing that the book had going for it. The word choice was all over that place and there were words that I, an adult, did not understand. I think this book would be good for older children if they enjoy action, but this book would be too confusing for younger kids. I would not use this book in my classroom, except for maybe a read aloud or for my students to read. However, neither of those would be helpful if they cannot understand the book. Not once did this book create any sense of believability, which is what makes most books entertaining. This book is supposed to be a tall tale, but it is more of a fever dream. Therefore, I would not recommend this book to anyone.

[Hannah Holthaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Fink was a boy who was stronger than anyone he ever encountered. Mike Fink liked to wrestle anything and everyone who crossed his path. He was known for wrestling with grizzly bears and alligators. When Mike got older, he wanted to become the King of the Keel Boatman. He and the current King of the Keel Boatman had to wrestle to see who was the strongest and deserved it. Mike Fink finally defeated the old King and he was able to rule the water. Another great retelling and illustrating by Steven Kellogg.

[Jennifer Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story reminded me of the “tale” of “big bad john”. I like that the story shows that you should never give up on your dreams; to just keep on working until you are able to overcome whatever stands in your way.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tall tale was definitely tall. Giant snapping turtles bigger than a boat, wrestling bears, wrestle matches that go on for weeks, etc.

A bit mature with a mention of deaths after a steam boat explosion.

The (almost) 4 year old boy I read it to loved it.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book because it was a great story and I loved how he was saved by an old coyote

[Alyssa Ricard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was funny and full of imagination. From the very beginning I was laughing. I did not care much for the illustrations though.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Steven Kellogg’s stories and art. I remember reading them as a kid and decided to start collecting them again. Absolutely entertaining and a feast for the eyes!

[Beverlee Jobrack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really irritated me. Such a focus on male aggressive power. Yuk!

[Graham Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between this and the Disney Davy Crockett show it made 8 year old me into a fan of Mike Fink.

[Tiffany T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made my kids howl with laughter. Great example of a tall tale!

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven Kellogg is a favorite in our house, both for the stories themselves and for the illustrations.

[Richard Joya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite of the Steven Kellogg tall tales.

[Rick Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

nothing like the exaggerations of a tale tall!

[Bryan Pridgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Fink is a folklore story retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. It would be an appropriate text for grades K-3rd.

This book would be an excellent mentor text for modeling exaggeration and simile in writing. As with many tall tales, the truth is exaggerated in Mike Fink and would be a fun jumping off point for many writing exercises, including writing original tall tales. To strengthen comprehension, I would have students compare and contrast two different folk heroes (i.e. Paul Bunyan or John Henry) using a graphic organizer. This would be a great book to teach American geography; building connections to the real physical locations mentioned throughout the book. This would also be a great read aloud when teaching students about the industrial revolution and creation of the steam engine.

Despite loving American folklore as a child, I had never heard of Mike Fink before reading this book and he is now one of my favorites. I was wowed by the illustrations, the playful nature of Mike Fink, and the strong similarities to John Henry, one of my favorite folk stories. Personally, I was really drawn to the independent, rugged, and unstoppable nature of Mike. Smothered in American idealism and nostalgia, this book was so fun to read and provides many opportunities to connect to the curriculum.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

King of the keel-boat men. A tall tale based on an actual historical man.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Fink runs away from home when he is two days old. He hates to be shut up indoors. Finally his mother decides to move west. When the family ox dies, Mike takes her place pulling the plow. He gains a reputation for wrestling boys older than himself. He is also a "crackerjack marksman". When Mike goes looking for a job on a keelboat he must fight Jack Carpenter, King of the Keelboatmen. Jack immediately hurls Mike hundreds of miles into the heart of the Rockies. There Mike wrestles Big Bart, the grizzly bear heavyweight. After this Mike knows that he is ready for a job as keelboatman. He goes back to the Mississippi River, challenges Jack Carpenter, and wins. Mike learns all he can from Jack and becomes a tried and true keelboatman. Eventually everyone calls him the King of the Keelboatmen. Then the dark day comes when steamboats start to take over the river. Another challenge is on; this times it is between Mike Fink and Captain Hilton P. Blathersby. Mike can only hold the steamboat off for a few minutes as it tries to run into his keelboat. Then the steamboat's weight and size push Mike's keelboat underwater. Mike's earlier action caused cold water to get in the steamboat's boiler. The steamboat explodes with only a few survivors. The captain, who happens to survive, sees Mike's hat floating in the river. He brags that he will be King of the River now. Unfortunately for him Mike Fink is under the hat. Legend has it the Captain Blathersby is thrown into grizzly country and never heard of again.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Genie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a tall tale of Mike Fink, who cannot stand to be kept indoors as early as 2 days old. Thus, this leads to him living in the west frontier and his pursuit of becoming a keelboatman.

This is a traditional book, a tall tale as it paints a picture of American history: daring, rugged frontiersmen on keelboats in the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio rivers. An author's note helps us understand some of the key features of our hero, wearing a red feather identifying him as the strongest man on the boat.

This story seems to preserve the life and times of Mississippi keelboatmen, as it describes the life of Mike Fink and his ways. It doesn't follow the Hero Cycle, but it builds up the character of Mike Fink as a man who was unbeatable and his legacy on the river as the strongest keelboatman.

I am not familiar with the legend of Mike Fink and so it didn't really capture my interest as I was reading this tall tale.

[Shante' Polite]

Title: Mike Fink: A Tall Tale
Author: Steven Kellogg
Publisher and Date: HarperCollins, 1998

Mike Fink: A Tall Tale is an interesting tale about Mike Fink and his adventures on the Mississippi River as a child. Even as an infant, Mike was rebellious and hyper. The illustrations in the book are great and really detailed and children will love just looking at the book.

Activity: I would take the Unit of Tall Tales and let students read two or three tall tales like Johnny Appleseed or John Henry with Mike Fink and have them come up with comparisons and differences between two or more tales. Afterwards, I would ask students to draw their favorite character from one of the tall tales and use symbols that where in the books to identify the character. ( Johnny Appleseed with apples, John Henry with his hammer, Mike Fink with frogs or boat, etc).

[Mallori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This is a wonderful adventure tall tale about Mike Fink's life. He ran away at two days old and became King of the Keelboatmen. He did many unbelievable feats that would surprise the reader over and over again.

Reading Level: Ages 5-8

Genre: Picture Book

Uses: Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Read-Aloud, Shared Reading

Social Issues: Books such as these that contain tall tales can be very entertaining for children and can allow them to use their imaginations to make up their own story.

Literary Elements: This book uses several high frequency words and creates a challenge for the reader with unfamiliar words.

Text & Image: The text follows well with the illustrations. The illustrations also allow the reader to understand the text in a more concrete way.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mike Fink is an American tall tale of a boy growing up in the frontier. This book could be used as a read-a-loud as for a lesson on descriptive writing, this story is filled with adjectives, the illustrations in this books is very busy, the pictures promote and enhance the use of adjectives and descriptive language. An example of this straight from the story is; "I am stronger than a buffalo stampede, and meaner than a rattlesnake with a belly ache. This book has lots of examples of exaggeration. The story is your typical Paul Bunyan tall tale where someone is stronger than life. I think student's at the second and third grade level would enjoy this book. I would not spend any extra money to buy this book for a classroom however.

[Cortny Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Fink: A Tall Tale is an interesting tale about Mike Fink and his adventures on the Mississippi River as a child. Even as an infant, Mike was rebellious and hyper. The illustrations in the book are great and really detailed and children will love just looking at the book.

For an activity, I would take the Unit of Tall Tales and let students read two or three tall tales like Johnny Appleseed or John Henry with Mike Fink and have them come up with comparisons and differences between two or more tales. Afterwards, I would ask students to draw their favorite character from one of the tall tales and use symbols that where in the books to identify the character. ( Johnny Appleseed with apples, John Henry with his hammer, Mike Fink with frogs or boat, etc).

[Courtney Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Fink: A Tall Tale is an interesting tale about Mike Fink and his adventures on the Mississippi River as a child. Even as an infant, Mike was rebellious and hyper. The illustrations in the book are great and really detailed and children will love just looking at the book.

For an activity, I would take the Unit of Tall Tales and let students read two or three tall tales like Johnny Appleseed or John Henry with Mike Fink and have them come up with comparisons and differences between two or more tales. Afterwards, I would ask students to draw their favorite character from one of the tall tales and use symbols that where in the books to identify the character. ( Johnny Appleseed with apples, John Henry with his hammer, Mike Fink with frogs or boat, etc).

[Tammy Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Mike Fink until reading this tall tale. It is a fun filled book for all but boys will really be drawn to the adventure. There are many things that can be done with this book. It can be enjoyed as the tall tale it is but then it can also be used to extend discussions on others things as well. One is the size of a person only means so much because Mike was small did not mean if he did not work hard that he could not do anything he wanted. Another, topic that can be discussed is water currents because it was difficult to paddle the boats upstream. My last suggestion it can be used to discuss change in boats and the addition of the steamboat. Even though this book is a fun tall tale it can be a fun opening to more serious discussion and exploration.