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Violet and Jobie in the Wild: A Funny Survival Story About Sibling Mice for Children
Newbery Medal winner Lynne Rae Perkins introduces Violet and Jobie, two house mice relocated to the wilderness, in an exceptional read-aloud and read-alone for fans of Skunk and Badger and Nuts to You. This thrilling—and funny!—animal adventure explores themes of friendship, family, bravery, and the meaning of home. Illustrated in black-and-white throughout by the author.
Brother and sister mice Violet and Jobie live a cozy and comfortable life in a humans’ house, where food is plentiful, and the television is good. In fact, Violet, tucked safely behind a book in the bookcase, loves to watch nature programs along with the young boy of the family. The boy’s mother, however, isn’t the biggest fan of mice.
When Violet and Jobie are trapped, the young boy pleads with his mother to release them. Now, Violet and Jobie find themselves in tall grasses, under tall trees, surrounded by all kinds of unfamiliar scents and sounds. In short, they find themselves in the wild.
This short, generously illustrated novel is packed with action, humor, heart, and friendship. Award-winning author Lynne Rae Perkins’s Violet and Jobie in the Wild will resonate with nature lovers and the young middle grade audience.
Brother and sister mice Violet and Jobie live a cozy and comfortable life in a humans’ house, where food is plentiful, and the television is good. In fact, Violet, tucked safely behind a book in the bookcase, loves to watch nature programs along with the young boy of the family. The boy’s mother, however, isn’t the biggest fan of mice.
When Violet and Jobie are trapped, the young boy pleads with his mother to release them. Now, Violet and Jobie find themselves in tall grasses, under tall trees, surrounded by all kinds of unfamiliar scents and sounds. In short, they find themselves in the wild.
This short, generously illustrated novel is packed with action, humor, heart, and friendship. Award-winning author Lynne Rae Perkins’s Violet and Jobie in the Wild will resonate with nature lovers and the young middle grade audience.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 13, 2022
4 people are currently reading
2721 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Rae Perkins
25 books176 followersLynne Rae Perkins is the author of several novels, including her most recent Newbery Award winning book, Criss Cross. She enjoys working in her studio, being with friends, watching her kids grow, and watching her husband, Bill, chase their dog around town.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 2, 2022
I like it when you think you’ve figured out what you’re reading, just a pleasant, standard-issue, well-written cute animal book, and then from this modest beginning the book doesn’t twist but grows into a little bit more. Also many books these days try to message to children about seeing the world through another’s eyes, but few do it as well and as naturally and as un-message-like as this. Finally, the porcupine joke? Classic.
August 25, 2022
Richie’s Picks: VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD by Lynne Rae Perkins, HarperCollins/Greenwillow, September 2022, 240p., ISBN: 978-0-06-249969-1
“I think mice are rather nice;
Their tails are long, their faces small;
They haven’t any chins at all.
Their ears are pink, their teeth are white,
They run about the house at night;
They nibble things they shouldn’t touch,
and, no one seems to like them much,
but, I think mice are rather nice.”
– Rose Fyleman (1877-1957)
“No straight lines make up my life;
And all my roads have bends;
There's no clear-cut beginnings;
And so far no dead-ends.”
– Harry Chapin, “Circle” (1972)
Violet and Jobie are a pair of house mice siblings who are smart enough to employ a pencil to spring a mousetrap, in order to safely retrieve the yummy cheese-and-peanut-butter bait. But they are also young and careless enough to subsequently become trapped in a shoebox as they sleep off their feast. Thanks to the pleadings of the little girl who also lives in the house, the pair of mice are transported to a park and freed, rather than exterminated. Thus begin the lively adventures of VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD.
After a few lucky close calls, they encounter Zolian, a wise and aged mouse who has spent his life in the wild. It turns out that they have lots to teach one another about how the other half has lived:
“‘So what happened?’ asked Zolian. ‘Why did you leave?’
‘We were captured.’ said Jobie. ‘In a box.’
‘A what?’ asked Zolian.
‘You, know, a–’ said Jobie, before realizing that Zolian, though old and wise, might not know what a box was.
‘A trap,’ he said. ‘We were trapped.’
‘And then they brought us to this wild place and drove off,’ said Violet.
‘Drove?’ said Zolian.
‘Left,’ said Jobie. ‘They left us in the middle of nowhere. They said we were wild animals and that we would figure it out.’
‘And we’re trying,’ said Violet. ‘But we’ve never done this before.’
‘Well,’ said Zolian. ‘That explains a few things.’
‘I don’t feel like a wild animal,’ said Violet.
‘And to me,’ said Zolian, ‘this doesn’t feel like such a wild place. Though I suppose it is.’ He may have scratched his chin. There was a pause.
‘Perhaps I can help you get used to it,’ he said.
Zolian liked how Violet and Jobie had shown him a new way of looking at something so familiar: the maple seeds. It could be fun to see his world through their eyes.
Speaking of seeing, it was dark in the burrow. Not completely dark. The three could see one another, in a way. Not clearly, but as thicker, more solid darknesses in the darkness. It was almost more of a feeling than a sight. They could sense one another, hear one another’s breathing and little movements. Violet felt that this sensing could be quite accurate, if she practiced. If she paid attention. It was interesting. But right now, she wanted to see with her eyes again, even if what she saw was this strange, confusing new world.
‘Do you think that owl is still up there?’ she asked.
Zolian laughed.
‘There’s always an owl,’ he said. ‘Or a hawk or a weasel, or some other one who would enjoy gobbling us up. We are popular in the tasty treat department.’
‘But–’ Violet began, then stopped. She couldn’t finish her sentence.
Even so, even in that one word, Zolian could hear the wobble in her voice.
‘There’s always an owl,’ he said again, gently, ‘but there are ways to live so that you’re not always afraid of the owl. Just aware of the owl.’”
Populated with enough mice to give most grownups nightmares, VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD is a sweet and engaging coming-of-age tale for middle graders. I love how Jobie observes and appreciates the character of Iris, a kind and patient girl mouse he happens to meet, making him want to connect with her. Through Violet, the reader experiences the way that a trusted mentor can open up new joys and share wisdom.
VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD shows that unexpected and random events are a part of everyday life. If you remain calm and open, these unforeseen episodes can often lead to unimagined opportunities and adventure.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
“I think mice are rather nice;
Their tails are long, their faces small;
They haven’t any chins at all.
Their ears are pink, their teeth are white,
They run about the house at night;
They nibble things they shouldn’t touch,
and, no one seems to like them much,
but, I think mice are rather nice.”
– Rose Fyleman (1877-1957)
“No straight lines make up my life;
And all my roads have bends;
There's no clear-cut beginnings;
And so far no dead-ends.”
– Harry Chapin, “Circle” (1972)
Violet and Jobie are a pair of house mice siblings who are smart enough to employ a pencil to spring a mousetrap, in order to safely retrieve the yummy cheese-and-peanut-butter bait. But they are also young and careless enough to subsequently become trapped in a shoebox as they sleep off their feast. Thanks to the pleadings of the little girl who also lives in the house, the pair of mice are transported to a park and freed, rather than exterminated. Thus begin the lively adventures of VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD.
After a few lucky close calls, they encounter Zolian, a wise and aged mouse who has spent his life in the wild. It turns out that they have lots to teach one another about how the other half has lived:
“‘So what happened?’ asked Zolian. ‘Why did you leave?’
‘We were captured.’ said Jobie. ‘In a box.’
‘A what?’ asked Zolian.
‘You, know, a–’ said Jobie, before realizing that Zolian, though old and wise, might not know what a box was.
‘A trap,’ he said. ‘We were trapped.’
‘And then they brought us to this wild place and drove off,’ said Violet.
‘Drove?’ said Zolian.
‘Left,’ said Jobie. ‘They left us in the middle of nowhere. They said we were wild animals and that we would figure it out.’
‘And we’re trying,’ said Violet. ‘But we’ve never done this before.’
‘Well,’ said Zolian. ‘That explains a few things.’
‘I don’t feel like a wild animal,’ said Violet.
‘And to me,’ said Zolian, ‘this doesn’t feel like such a wild place. Though I suppose it is.’ He may have scratched his chin. There was a pause.
‘Perhaps I can help you get used to it,’ he said.
Zolian liked how Violet and Jobie had shown him a new way of looking at something so familiar: the maple seeds. It could be fun to see his world through their eyes.
Speaking of seeing, it was dark in the burrow. Not completely dark. The three could see one another, in a way. Not clearly, but as thicker, more solid darknesses in the darkness. It was almost more of a feeling than a sight. They could sense one another, hear one another’s breathing and little movements. Violet felt that this sensing could be quite accurate, if she practiced. If she paid attention. It was interesting. But right now, she wanted to see with her eyes again, even if what she saw was this strange, confusing new world.
‘Do you think that owl is still up there?’ she asked.
Zolian laughed.
‘There’s always an owl,’ he said. ‘Or a hawk or a weasel, or some other one who would enjoy gobbling us up. We are popular in the tasty treat department.’
‘But–’ Violet began, then stopped. She couldn’t finish her sentence.
Even so, even in that one word, Zolian could hear the wobble in her voice.
‘There’s always an owl,’ he said again, gently, ‘but there are ways to live so that you’re not always afraid of the owl. Just aware of the owl.’”
Populated with enough mice to give most grownups nightmares, VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD is a sweet and engaging coming-of-age tale for middle graders. I love how Jobie observes and appreciates the character of Iris, a kind and patient girl mouse he happens to meet, making him want to connect with her. Through Violet, the reader experiences the way that a trusted mentor can open up new joys and share wisdom.
VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD shows that unexpected and random events are a part of everyday life. If you remain calm and open, these unforeseen episodes can often lead to unimagined opportunities and adventure.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
January 26, 2024
I read this book with my mom and absolutely enjoyed it. It’s very well written and I loved how the author made the story and emotions from the perspective of mice.
December 2, 2022
I am a HEA kind of girl but if a book is going to be unhappy, I want to know about it. So I'm going to spoil the ending here. Stop reading if you don't want to know.
Zolian dies in the end and Violet never makes it back to Jobie. She ends up living in a house and he stays in the wild. He never knows what happened to her. We probably could have withstood Zolian's death but to add the Jobie bit was too much.
We actually did not finish once we figured out what was going to happen. Instead, we made up our ending where Violet found Zolian, they made their way back to Jobie and Zolian moved in with Violet. She became the favorite aunt to Jobie and Iris' babies, teaching them all to surf the puddles.
Zolian dies in the end and Violet never makes it back to Jobie. She ends up living in a house and he stays in the wild. He never knows what happened to her. We probably could have withstood Zolian's death but to add the Jobie bit was too much.
We actually did not finish once we figured out what was going to happen. Instead, we made up our ending where Violet found Zolian, they made their way back to Jobie and Zolian moved in with Violet. She became the favorite aunt to Jobie and Iris' babies, teaching them all to surf the puddles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
First sentence: The SNAP! of the cheese game was frightening if you weren’t expecting it. Or even if you were. Violet and Jobie stuffed tissue into their ears. Together they lifted the snapping pole, then moved into their assigned places: Jobie crouching in front, Violet reaching up behind him.
Premise/plot: After Violet and Jobie are caught, these brother-sister mouse siblings are released in the wild. Before, nature was something that they watched on the television screen, not something that they actually experienced. But now that they are in the wild, they have to find a way to survive. Not just against the elements, but against predators as well. These two find a great friend in Zolian (I believe I have the name right; I didn't write it down in my notes). With a little help from an older--much older--and wiser--much wiser mouse, these two may be able to live out their lives. But being a mouse is always risky.
My thoughts: My favorite thing about Violet and Jobie was the narrative. I loved the writing. I enjoyed the characterization. It is--in my opinion--a bittersweet novel. But if you enjoy animal fantasy OR coming of age novels OR novels with a Kate DiCamillo touch, then this one should be one you consider. I absolutely loved, loved, loved parts of this one.
Quotes:
Let’s go toward the sun,” she said. “At least we’ll be going in a straight line.”
And so, they did.
They couldn’t always see the sun, but they could see the shadows, and then guess where the sun was. For quite a long time, they made their way silently. Sometimes they clambered over a boulder or skirted a puddle. After each obstacle, they checked to see where the light was, and where there was shadow. And then they continued on, as lost in their own thoughts as they were in this world. Violet’s thoughts bounced all around. She thought about cheese, and where and whether it could be found in this strange place. She thought about their mother and father and brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and cousins, who would be wondering where they were.
“It’s not going to be a human house,” he said. “There are no human houses here.”
“I know that,” she said. “But—”
“But what?” asked Jobie.
The truth was, Violet didn’t know But what. She was going through a process. She was getting used to an idea. The idea that life was going to be different now.
The first hollow they looked at (that didn’t smell of fox) seemed unbearably primitive. Horrible. And they were all much the same after that. But she began to notice slight differences: how this one felt sort of cozy. How this other one had a good view. How the next one had an alcove, almost an extra room. She knew she was going to have to settle for something soon. They stopped to rest and get a drink of water at the edge of a pond. As she wiped her mouth with her paw, which was now muddy so of course she had to then rinse it off and wipe her face again, Violet surveyed the scene. Trees, trees, trees. And rocks. Mud and dirt. She glared at the trees. And the rocks, the mud, and the dirt.
And then he couldn’t remember what he was trying to remember. Oh, yes—the familiar flavor. But he couldn’t even taste it anymore. It had blended in with the rest of his mouth.
“Let it go,” he told himself as he drowsed off once more. “You’ll figure it out tomorrow.”
Which, in a way, was an answer to the question what does it taste like? Because if there was going to be a tomorrow, what it tasted like was hope.
And then another mouse, Bear (Because he was big and burly. For a mouse.), explained an even more complicated game where a mouse pretended to be another animal that was pretending to be even another animal, and they had to guess both. To demonstrate, Bear pretended to be a bee pretending to be a snake. It was almost impossible to act out, and even harder to guess, but they all laughed so hard they couldn’t see straight. Tears of laughter streamed down their cheeks.
“Jobie is right,” she murmured as she hurried down the tree and into the connecting burrow. “I will be fine. I will be fine. I will be fine.
“I will be alone and miserable, but fine.” She laughed. And when you hear yourself laugh, that’s when you know that you really will be fine. Eventually. Maybe even sooner.
Violet hummed a little as she searched the tunnels and chambers of Zolian’s abode. He didn’t seem to be in any of the usual spots, but with Zolian, this was not unusual. She called out his name and was impressed by the cheeriness of her own voice.
“Good job, Violet,” she said. She called out again and listened for a response, but heard nothing. She began to worry. Until she remembered that the day before, Zolian had told her about the migration of the sandhill cranes.
“It’s really something to see,” he had said. “I came upon it in my rambling days, and I still like to make the pilgrimage. They are very large birds, and thousands of them lift up and fly all at once. Really heart-stopping.
Her courage flagged. She had been quite brave, she thought.
“How many times do I have to be brave?” she asked. She knew the answer: At least one more time. Always one more time.
“I don’t want to,” she said.
It’s scary when you don’t know what to do. But if you can think of one or two things that you do know how to do, and then do them, that can help.
Premise/plot: After Violet and Jobie are caught, these brother-sister mouse siblings are released in the wild. Before, nature was something that they watched on the television screen, not something that they actually experienced. But now that they are in the wild, they have to find a way to survive. Not just against the elements, but against predators as well. These two find a great friend in Zolian (I believe I have the name right; I didn't write it down in my notes). With a little help from an older--much older--and wiser--much wiser mouse, these two may be able to live out their lives. But being a mouse is always risky.
My thoughts: My favorite thing about Violet and Jobie was the narrative. I loved the writing. I enjoyed the characterization. It is--in my opinion--a bittersweet novel. But if you enjoy animal fantasy OR coming of age novels OR novels with a Kate DiCamillo touch, then this one should be one you consider. I absolutely loved, loved, loved parts of this one.
Quotes:
Let’s go toward the sun,” she said. “At least we’ll be going in a straight line.”
And so, they did.
They couldn’t always see the sun, but they could see the shadows, and then guess where the sun was. For quite a long time, they made their way silently. Sometimes they clambered over a boulder or skirted a puddle. After each obstacle, they checked to see where the light was, and where there was shadow. And then they continued on, as lost in their own thoughts as they were in this world. Violet’s thoughts bounced all around. She thought about cheese, and where and whether it could be found in this strange place. She thought about their mother and father and brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and cousins, who would be wondering where they were.
“It’s not going to be a human house,” he said. “There are no human houses here.”
“I know that,” she said. “But—”
“But what?” asked Jobie.
The truth was, Violet didn’t know But what. She was going through a process. She was getting used to an idea. The idea that life was going to be different now.
The first hollow they looked at (that didn’t smell of fox) seemed unbearably primitive. Horrible. And they were all much the same after that. But she began to notice slight differences: how this one felt sort of cozy. How this other one had a good view. How the next one had an alcove, almost an extra room. She knew she was going to have to settle for something soon. They stopped to rest and get a drink of water at the edge of a pond. As she wiped her mouth with her paw, which was now muddy so of course she had to then rinse it off and wipe her face again, Violet surveyed the scene. Trees, trees, trees. And rocks. Mud and dirt. She glared at the trees. And the rocks, the mud, and the dirt.
And then he couldn’t remember what he was trying to remember. Oh, yes—the familiar flavor. But he couldn’t even taste it anymore. It had blended in with the rest of his mouth.
“Let it go,” he told himself as he drowsed off once more. “You’ll figure it out tomorrow.”
Which, in a way, was an answer to the question what does it taste like? Because if there was going to be a tomorrow, what it tasted like was hope.
And then another mouse, Bear (Because he was big and burly. For a mouse.), explained an even more complicated game where a mouse pretended to be another animal that was pretending to be even another animal, and they had to guess both. To demonstrate, Bear pretended to be a bee pretending to be a snake. It was almost impossible to act out, and even harder to guess, but they all laughed so hard they couldn’t see straight. Tears of laughter streamed down their cheeks.
“Jobie is right,” she murmured as she hurried down the tree and into the connecting burrow. “I will be fine. I will be fine. I will be fine.
“I will be alone and miserable, but fine.” She laughed. And when you hear yourself laugh, that’s when you know that you really will be fine. Eventually. Maybe even sooner.
Violet hummed a little as she searched the tunnels and chambers of Zolian’s abode. He didn’t seem to be in any of the usual spots, but with Zolian, this was not unusual. She called out his name and was impressed by the cheeriness of her own voice.
“Good job, Violet,” she said. She called out again and listened for a response, but heard nothing. She began to worry. Until she remembered that the day before, Zolian had told her about the migration of the sandhill cranes.
“It’s really something to see,” he had said. “I came upon it in my rambling days, and I still like to make the pilgrimage. They are very large birds, and thousands of them lift up and fly all at once. Really heart-stopping.
Her courage flagged. She had been quite brave, she thought.
“How many times do I have to be brave?” she asked. She knew the answer: At least one more time. Always one more time.
“I don’t want to,” she said.
It’s scary when you don’t know what to do. But if you can think of one or two things that you do know how to do, and then do them, that can help.
April 15, 2022
Most readers of this delightful novel, "Violet and Job in the Wild," may reconsider the fate of the mice they discover inside their homes. Perkins wrote this novel after a friend had told her about her conundrum with a mouse inside her house: if she relocated the mouse, would the mouse return?
This novel is about two mice who had been living comfortably inside a home and then get relocated at the woods, far away from the TV where they enjoyed watching a nature show that provided them with information about the world outside their home, far away from the soft sock drawer, and the easily accessible food.
Young readers between the ages of 8 and 12 will love this adventurous tale. In many ways, this is a novel that would be perfect for teachers/parents to read aloud because of all the author's comments, where she directly addresses the readers, providing wonderful opportunities to discuss the
what would you do, and why is this happening possibilities that are offered throughout the novel.
Violet befriends an elderly, wise mouse, Zolian, and Jobie falls in love, changing the dynamics of their endless togetherness, providing readers with a chance to see the mice grow as they learn to take risks exploring their new world.
Zolian teaches the young mice the importance of learning safety rules, such as, D.E.F: Don't Exit the Foliage. Violet tries to teach Zolian about the world with a television. Most importantly, they try to create the comforts of a safe home, while pondering the big questions of life, and what is more difficult: losing someone while they're still alive or when they die. This is a novel filled with love, joy, fear, bravery, and philosophical ponderings--unanswered questions for curious readers to contemplate.
This novel is about two mice who had been living comfortably inside a home and then get relocated at the woods, far away from the TV where they enjoyed watching a nature show that provided them with information about the world outside their home, far away from the soft sock drawer, and the easily accessible food.
Young readers between the ages of 8 and 12 will love this adventurous tale. In many ways, this is a novel that would be perfect for teachers/parents to read aloud because of all the author's comments, where she directly addresses the readers, providing wonderful opportunities to discuss the
what would you do, and why is this happening possibilities that are offered throughout the novel.
Violet befriends an elderly, wise mouse, Zolian, and Jobie falls in love, changing the dynamics of their endless togetherness, providing readers with a chance to see the mice grow as they learn to take risks exploring their new world.
Zolian teaches the young mice the importance of learning safety rules, such as, D.E.F: Don't Exit the Foliage. Violet tries to teach Zolian about the world with a television. Most importantly, they try to create the comforts of a safe home, while pondering the big questions of life, and what is more difficult: losing someone while they're still alive or when they die. This is a novel filled with love, joy, fear, bravery, and philosophical ponderings--unanswered questions for curious readers to contemplate.
February 4, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Violet and Jobie in the Wild is a well written illustrated adventure story for middle grade readers by Lynne Rae Perkins. Released 30th Nov 2022 by HarperCollins on their Children's imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. Paperback due out 3rd quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
This is an engaging and sensitively told story about a pair of anthropomorphic sibling mice who are trapped in a box by the humans who live in the house they call home and dumped in the wilderness of a park far away from the only place they've ever known. There are dangers aplenty for two small young rodents, but there are also adventures and friends to be found along the way as well.
The story is enhanced by the author's charcoal illustrations. They're full of small details which invite a closer look and they provide a nice counterpoint to the story. There are some slightly scary parts, but nothing too graphic or unpleasant. I found the ending bittersweet, but not a deal-breaker. It's a surprisingly grown-up ending for a middle grade book, but overall well done.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition as well as home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Violet and Jobie in the Wild is a well written illustrated adventure story for middle grade readers by Lynne Rae Perkins. Released 30th Nov 2022 by HarperCollins on their Children's imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. Paperback due out 3rd quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
This is an engaging and sensitively told story about a pair of anthropomorphic sibling mice who are trapped in a box by the humans who live in the house they call home and dumped in the wilderness of a park far away from the only place they've ever known. There are dangers aplenty for two small young rodents, but there are also adventures and friends to be found along the way as well.
The story is enhanced by the author's charcoal illustrations. They're full of small details which invite a closer look and they provide a nice counterpoint to the story. There are some slightly scary parts, but nothing too graphic or unpleasant. I found the ending bittersweet, but not a deal-breaker. It's a surprisingly grown-up ending for a middle grade book, but overall well done.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition as well as home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 30, 2022
What if you were suddenly uprooted from the only home you knew, and abruptly thrown out to live on your own in the wilderness? No, Violet and Jobie: in the Wild is not a current events story, but a charming new chapter book from Newbery Award winning author Lynne Rae Perkins. The two mice must make their way in a vast new world that is decidedly different from the comfortable home where they played “the cheese game” (out-witting a mouse trap), and watched television.
In the wild, they must learn how to avoid predators, find food and shelter, and ultimately forge their own paths. From their first encounter with maple seeds twirling, to trying to understand thunder and lightning, they meet the world with humor and pluck. The siblings are especially lucky to meet the venerable Zolain, a sage mouse who helps them navigate everything from how to cross a stream to the sound of frogs. When Violet recalls the sound from T.V. (in their old house) and comments that frogs sound different “in real life”, Zolian answers, “Real Life?” ”What other kind is there?”
Fans of Lynne Rae Perkins will recognize the narrator’s voice, subtly injecting humorous and often philosophical observations throughout the story. The black and white illustrations, while sometimes a bit murky, are also inimitably Perkins; delicate, funny and expressive. While Violet and Jobie tackles big themes such as survival, and the appreciation of the natural world, it is ultimately a story of friendship and community. When we learn to make our own, we flourish in the wild.
In the wild, they must learn how to avoid predators, find food and shelter, and ultimately forge their own paths. From their first encounter with maple seeds twirling, to trying to understand thunder and lightning, they meet the world with humor and pluck. The siblings are especially lucky to meet the venerable Zolain, a sage mouse who helps them navigate everything from how to cross a stream to the sound of frogs. When Violet recalls the sound from T.V. (in their old house) and comments that frogs sound different “in real life”, Zolian answers, “Real Life?” ”What other kind is there?”
Fans of Lynne Rae Perkins will recognize the narrator’s voice, subtly injecting humorous and often philosophical observations throughout the story. The black and white illustrations, while sometimes a bit murky, are also inimitably Perkins; delicate, funny and expressive. While Violet and Jobie tackles big themes such as survival, and the appreciation of the natural world, it is ultimately a story of friendship and community. When we learn to make our own, we flourish in the wild.
June 10, 2022
Two house mice, siblings Violet and Jobie, get trapped and taken to a nearby wilderness area by the humans. Everything is new to them, what to eat, how to stay safe, where to make a home. They are encouraged by what they’ve overheard the humans say, that they’re wild animals and apparently this means they’ll figure it out. Can this be true, we ask? Will they survive? Luckily, they meet an older mouse named Zolian. Zolian becomes their mentor and friend, helping them experience a full and meaningful life. Newbery award winning author Lynne Rae Perkins creates for us a mouse-centric world full of adventure- leaf rides down a “rivulet of rainwater”, danger- fox, hawks and owls, and new ideas. This book highlights Perkins considerable skill as a keen observer of the natural world as well as of human nature. She melds the two together to create authentic characters who are kind, wise, and oh so brave as they navigate life’s unpredictable trajectories. As the creatures intermittently participate in an inventive alphabet game, Zolian intones, JKL, Just Keep Learning. Or maybe, as Violet reflects, it's Just Keep Living. Either way, it’s a worthy sentiment, one of many in this heartfelt, thought-provoking novel, full too of lovely intimate black and white illustrations. This book would be perfect as a group read aloud for elementary students, a snuggle up family story or a satisfying personal reading experience. Don’t hesitate, read it today! You won’t be sorry.
February 5, 2024
What happens when two house mice suddenly become outdoor mice? Violet and Jobie are two siblings who get themselves into a pickle when they don't pay attention to where they are after a mousetrap meal. The homeowner then takes the duo out to the wilderness instead of exterminating them. As they learn about their new environment, they are mentored by an elderly mouse and grow into adults. This transition creates a new dynamic that ends with their adult lives diverging on two separate paths.
This middle grade novel for kids 8-12 contains many themes for fiction meant for this age group, but with animals as our main characters the danger they face is real and the results are heartbreaking as well. Sensitive readers will gasp at the turn this takes near the end. Lynn Rae Perkins handles it all with aplomb and cheekiness in both writing and her black and white illustrations.
I would recommend this book for purchase to any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This middle grade novel for kids 8-12 contains many themes for fiction meant for this age group, but with animals as our main characters the danger they face is real and the results are heartbreaking as well. Sensitive readers will gasp at the turn this takes near the end. Lynn Rae Perkins handles it all with aplomb and cheekiness in both writing and her black and white illustrations.
I would recommend this book for purchase to any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
March 28, 2023
Violet and Jobie, mouse siblings, find themselves in a frightening predicament. While playing the Cheese Game (make the game go snap with the stick, then eat the cheese and peanut butter inside it), they are captured in a box and taken to something called a "State Park," where they are released. These two house mice have no idea how to survive in the wild, but they soon make friends who can tell them about the dangers and pleasures of outdoor life.
This is a charming little book for fans of anthropomorphic tales. It's generally realistic in its treatment of mouse life, where mice are considered a tasty snack for most of the larger creatures they encounter, though there are some fanciful parts. There's a good balance of excitement and thoughtful bits. The ending is a little more open than many tales for this age group, and would provoke discussion if read in a group setting. I can see this being a nice classroom read for second or third grade.
This is a charming little book for fans of anthropomorphic tales. It's generally realistic in its treatment of mouse life, where mice are considered a tasty snack for most of the larger creatures they encounter, though there are some fanciful parts. There's a good balance of excitement and thoughtful bits. The ending is a little more open than many tales for this age group, and would provoke discussion if read in a group setting. I can see this being a nice classroom read for second or third grade.
April 20, 2023
Lovely book for ages 8-12. I like this author's other work, and she doesn't shy away from using a large vocabulary for children. They might have to find out a definition now and then. The main characters are mice, they talk and learn to understand what people are saying, and they are dumped out in the country when caught. Learning how to survive and making friends is much of the book. Learning for learning's sake and growing up/gaining wisdom are themes. Filled with predators and fear overcome by fun times and learning to survive in a smart way. Although the book is unrealistic with the anthropomorphized animals, it is very realistic in some ways. There aren't huge coincidences or surprises to make everything tied up in a bow. Spoiler: The ending is bittersweet, since a mouse who was separated can't find her way back. But that's what really would have happened! She finds a new friend and has a lovely life, so no worries.
November 10, 2022
This is a really sweet story that ends on a more bittersweet/slightly sad note than I was expecting. Sad, but hopeful and full of love, maybe? There's gotta be a German word that encompasses this ending, but I don't have access to a good English word to describe it. Whatever the word may be, this story of a brother and sister mouse pair who are removed from the house they live in to make it in the wild is a great story of resilience and friendship.
I will definitely be recommending this to fans of animal books, will be bringing it on booktalks to grades 3-5, and also would recommend it to parents looking for a good read aloud with their kids (with a warning about the nature of the ending). Quite lovely, and I'm glad I read it.
I will definitely be recommending this to fans of animal books, will be bringing it on booktalks to grades 3-5, and also would recommend it to parents looking for a good read aloud with their kids (with a warning about the nature of the ending). Quite lovely, and I'm glad I read it.
June 29, 2023
This book has been on my radar since last year when I had to consider it for SLC's Mock Newbery. However, I thought "This is an animal story. I could freaking care less"
But this wound up being up being so much more.
It's a sibling story
It's a story about finding your way in a new world
It's about facing your fears
It's about J.K.L. "Just Keep Living"
It's about grief and loss
It's about going your separate ways
It's about family storytelling
It's also just slightly over 200 pages so it is a very good beginning middle grade. Violet and Jobie truly take on the voices they are given (again, something I did not expect) and there was some genuine love and emotion felt. If people want an animal protagonist book, I'll also be sharing this one.
But this wound up being up being so much more.
It's a sibling story
It's a story about finding your way in a new world
It's about facing your fears
It's about J.K.L. "Just Keep Living"
It's about grief and loss
It's about going your separate ways
It's about family storytelling
It's also just slightly over 200 pages so it is a very good beginning middle grade. Violet and Jobie truly take on the voices they are given (again, something I did not expect) and there was some genuine love and emotion felt. If people want an animal protagonist book, I'll also be sharing this one.
Read
May 16, 2022Violet and Jobie are two mice siblings who are no longer welcome in their home (a human house) so they are taken to a field where they have to figure out how to make it in the wild. Violet and Jobie have some scary, fun and funny adventures before they settle into their new lives avoiding creatures of prey, living underground and in trees, eating new foods and making new friends. Eventually Jobie meets a special friend and begins a family of his own. Violet is lonely and heads out on her own kind of adventure. This is a delightful story, coming in September, for the young chapter book reader. It would also be a great read-aloud.
May 26, 2022
A very cute coming of age story of two mice, Jobie and Violet, and their adventures in the wild.
I read this story aloud to my children ages 3-15, and it was enjoyed by them all. Once or twice the story took a turn I was concerned about reading aloud to my children, but each conflict was handled very well. This story is a rare treat in a genre steeped in magic, and new ideals. The only drawback, if any, is that the story ended a little more abruptly than we would have liked, and it struck a slightly discordant note with some of the children. Personally, I thought the ending was handled well.
Thank you to HarperCollins, and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this arc.
I read this story aloud to my children ages 3-15, and it was enjoyed by them all. Once or twice the story took a turn I was concerned about reading aloud to my children, but each conflict was handled very well. This story is a rare treat in a genre steeped in magic, and new ideals. The only drawback, if any, is that the story ended a little more abruptly than we would have liked, and it struck a slightly discordant note with some of the children. Personally, I thought the ending was handled well.
Thank you to HarperCollins, and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this arc.
August 1, 2022
"Zolian shrugged, as it almost didn't much matter to him one way or the other."
This was the only line I didn't really care for in the entire book. It's a bit heavy for a children's book in my opinion. Other than that, I REALLY liked this book. I loved the intro telling us where the idea came from. I love the concept and fancifulness of the story. I love how simple the concepts are, yet it's still teaching some lessons as it goes. I love that it asks you to step outside of "normal" thinking and look at different perspectives.
If you want a wholesome story for your kids, this could be their next read.
This was the only line I didn't really care for in the entire book. It's a bit heavy for a children's book in my opinion. Other than that, I REALLY liked this book. I loved the intro telling us where the idea came from. I love the concept and fancifulness of the story. I love how simple the concepts are, yet it's still teaching some lessons as it goes. I love that it asks you to step outside of "normal" thinking and look at different perspectives.
If you want a wholesome story for your kids, this could be their next read.
September 29, 2022
This book is way deeper than the title makes it sound. Ms. Perkins is not introducing a reliable series for kids to practice reading longer novels. This story is about adapting to circumstances beyond our control, accepting what we can't change and making meaning out of it. It empathizes, but no wishing can change the difficult things that happen in this world. It is a allegory of how to cope with life in bad circumstances and still find joy. One of the best of the year. (Except the cover and the marketing mislead a bit on this one -- it is not the introduction of a fun series for kids to try reading a slightly longer novel -- it is deep and intense and not sugar coated..)
Martha
Martha
June 10, 2024
An allegory with Violet and Jobie sharing their story about their transition from house living to life in the wild. Thanks to a new, wise friend, Zolian, they navigate the forest together. Different experiences and using the alphabet as their guide, the siblings adjust to their new environment.
ABC- always be careful
DEF- don't exit the forest
Jobie meets a new mouse and decides to start a family, leaving Violet with some new friends. When Zolian goes missing it is up to Violet to find him.
Recommended: grades 4+ (definitely a younger age group than middle school- innocent)
Topics: talking animals, displacement, siblings, survival,
ABC- always be careful
DEF- don't exit the forest
Jobie meets a new mouse and decides to start a family, leaving Violet with some new friends. When Zolian goes missing it is up to Violet to find him.
Recommended: grades 4+ (definitely a younger age group than middle school- innocent)
Topics: talking animals, displacement, siblings, survival,
September 15, 2022
A charming story about two mice, Jobie and Violet, who are captured by humans and set free outside. At first reminiscent of city mice visiting country friends, the story takes a refreshing turn as the mice quickly adapt with the help of an older mouse. Friendship, loss, and learning to be happy in the moment are explored matter-of-factly, yet gently. A sophisticated vocabulary (“discombobulated”; “coterie of upstart pines”; “final folderol”; “obliviously”) adds interests and makes this a great choice for read-a-loud or handing to an advanced reader. Reviewed from e-galley.
November 3, 2022
This sweet book, about two mice who reside in a human home until they are trapped live and released in the wild, can be looked at as a metaphor for growing up, venturing out into the world on your own, making friends, growing old and saying goodbyes. Though it’s geared for young readers, its story packs a powerful message. Author/illustrator Lynne Rae Perkins turns the readers expectations upside down and provides a bittersweet surprise ending that left me completely unprepared for how choked up I got reading the last couple of chapters. Highly recommended for young and old alike.
April 15, 2023
“If a butterfly has never swooped and floated in front of you, how do you know whether to be frightened?”
Violet and Jobie, sibling mice, have always lived in a human house until one day they are caught in a box trap. To be kind, the humans take the mice into the wild and release them. But is it kind? Violet and Jobie have never been in the outside world and they have no idea how to survive. In fact, on their first night, they sleep just inches away from a fox. Luckily, a wise old mouse named Zolian takes them under his wing and shows them how to survive and even have some fun.
Violet and Jobie, sibling mice, have always lived in a human house until one day they are caught in a box trap. To be kind, the humans take the mice into the wild and release them. But is it kind? Violet and Jobie have never been in the outside world and they have no idea how to survive. In fact, on their first night, they sleep just inches away from a fox. Luckily, a wise old mouse named Zolian takes them under his wing and shows them how to survive and even have some fun.
July 28, 2022
Absolutely delighted by this sweet animal story that gave me new perspective. Dare I even say it touched my heart like a Kate DiCamillo story does? Just wonderful.
“And on they traveled, kindred spirits exploring the world as it was offered to them. Dining well. Watching the fires. Making new friends.
And sometimes they were sad, because, who isn’t?, when we think of loved ones who are lost to us?
But mostly, they were happy. Really happy.
Ever after, even.”
“And on they traveled, kindred spirits exploring the world as it was offered to them. Dining well. Watching the fires. Making new friends.
And sometimes they were sad, because, who isn’t?, when we think of loved ones who are lost to us?
But mostly, they were happy. Really happy.
Ever after, even.”
September 14, 2022
This book starts out with the great premise of what would it be like for two house mice to suddenly be “released” into the wild. This great little novel really explores a new way of exploring a-fish-out-of-water story and I loved it. The relationship between the two mice is great as is all the cool side characters, including those interested in making Violet and Jobie a meal. A great story for animal lovers and siblings.
January 18, 2023
Did not finish. I know people loved it, but the story simply didn't hook me and I wanted to move on to other books.
I did really enjoy the writing style. I see it as a great read aloud choice for teachers and students or with parents and kids. There is humor for adults and children, and each chapter wraps itself up nicely, making it good for stopping and picking back up again at night or in classes.
I did really enjoy the writing style. I see it as a great read aloud choice for teachers and students or with parents and kids. There is humor for adults and children, and each chapter wraps itself up nicely, making it good for stopping and picking back up again at night or in classes.
Read
April 3, 2023This was a little bit more bittersweet and thoughtful than I expected. Lots to ponder about finding your own way and dealing with life's challenges even if they are sometimes unfair. Really sensitive kids might find some of this a bit sad, although it could make a good elementary aged family read aloud. In some ways I could see readers who liked The Wild Robot by Peter Brown liking this one.
May 10, 2023
Violet and Jobie are two house mice that get caught and release into the wild where they meet Zolian an old mouse who teaches them how to be safe and survive in the wild. Jobie starts getting new friends and wants to start a family of his own, and Violet worries about Zolian who ends up falling off a cliff. A sweet book about adoptive families and making the best of your situation. Geared for middle grade readers 8 to 10 years old who like animal stories.
May 4, 2022
Perkins' new transitional chapter book tells the story of mouse siblings who get unceremoniously removed from the house they were living in and are released into the wild. The mice have a lot to learn about living outside but they find nice and other animals that help them along. The story is complemented by charming illustrations throughout. Review from e-galley.
December 28, 2022
Perfect read aloud for most any age elementary child. What starts out as a gentle fun story about 2 mice learning to survive in the wild, grows into an ending with real substance. The antics of this brother sister mice duo made me smile and I frequently quoted passages to my husband. Loved the black and white illustrations throughout too.
January 2, 2023
This was a short and sweet book. It’s about two mouse siblings who accidentally end up having to start their lives over in the wild after growing up in a human home. It has some lovely nature descriptions and an interesting ending. I would recommend this to kids who like cozy animal stories or as a family read aloud. (3+ hours)
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