Abel’s Island
by William Steig
Published by Square Fish Books
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Reviewed by Jamie Driggers
Abel didn’t know that when he and his wife Amanda went out for a picnic, he wouldn’t be home for a year. Who could have guessed that they would get caught in a storm and that when he went to retrieve her scarf, he would be swept away and trapped on an island?
In this wonderful illustrated middle reader book we see the evolution of Abel, an educated mouse of high society, as he comes of age in his adulthood. I loved that he came back to his mouse-like roots, using his teeth and his gathering instinct. He discovered himself. He found that he was far more than the society mouse, well taken care of by his mother’s money. He was talented at sculpture, he could fend for himself, and though he despaired, he never gave up hope that he would get off the island.
This is an awesome vocabulary-xtending book for children. It would make a great read aloud or a stretcher for a young self reader. The illustrations leave a bit to be desired as they are dark and busy. Busy is good when there is a lot of color, but the black and white seemed almost blurry. However, they were appropriate to the text and children will still enjoy their presence.
All in all, I would say that this book is a good one to add to your library. It has great themes and vocabulary, and though it starts slow it also propels the reader through. And the finishing line—perfect.
Armchair Interviews says: Another great addition to your middle reader’s library.
Author’s Web site: http://www.WilliamSteig.com