Customer Reviews

The Story of Jumping Mouse

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a teacher and I have read this book with great personal enthusiasm to lots of kids, and I have to tell you that they are not all that enamoured with it. It is a story with a deep meaning that kids usually don't "get" and are not necessarily ready for at a young age. The subtle plot and pictures doen't seem to hold younger kid's interest and attention. Now, having said that, I absolutely love this book and find that many adults do too. I was first introduced to the "Jumping Mouse" story in my twenties, (20 years ago), and it literally changed my life. It is a very moving tale about spiritual seeking and spiritual growth, really about life's journey itself. The illustrations in this book are unique and gorgeous. A nice book to give as a gift to friends who are spiritually oriented and like Native American perspectives. Some kids may like the book, especailly those who are interested in the themes presented. Could be used as a teaching book for kids and adults in a spiritual setting, but I don't recommend it as a fun kids' read-aloud.

A neighbor gave me this book to read, because she knew I loved childrens books. It gave me goosebumps; I had to call my mother and read it to her.

This book is about persevering in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, about the power of dreaming and the power of faith and the power of effort. It is an incredible adaptation of Native Americans belief and ways. I give copies of this book to everyone whom I love: child or adult.

This is a book that children will adore but which grownups will keep in their heart forever. We all aspire to pursue our goals with such innocence & strength as did Jumping Mouse; we all hope we are the heart-guided friend he was time after time and that our passion for such selflessness will be so richly rewarded

I love this story, I shared it at my collage graduation party with family and friends. I had 75 people at my party and read this story, we had to pass the kleenex box around before I finished the story.
I really felt like it echoed my 9 year journey in collage. I learned along with the Jumping mouse, no matter what obsticals come up in your life, if you stay focused and believe in your dream nothing can stand in your way.
I will soon have my own classroom, I plan to use this book with my students. I will also plan to buy many copies to give as gifts. What a message this book has for so many people, in many walks of life.

This lovely Caldecott honoree related the Native American legend of a mouse that morphed into an eagle by magic, determination, and force of character. A mouse listens to tales told by older mice that include visions of a far off land. He determines to visit the far off land even though he doesn't know much about traveling and is sure to encounter dangers. Shortly after setting out he meets the Magic Frog, who kindly transports him across the river. The Magic Frog also confers the gift of jumping legs on the mouse, which will serve him well the rest of the journey.

Along the way he meets an Old Mouse, whose pessimistic attitude of ever reaching the far off land is rewarded when the Snake comes along and eats him. "Poor old friend," thought Jumping Mouse. "He lost hope of finding his dream and now his life is over." Subtle this tale is not.

After giving up his sight for a blind bison and his sense of smell to a smell-disabled wolf, Jumping Mouse proves that he is unselfish and worthy of good things. Magic Frog turns up when Jumping Mouse's hope of seeing the far off land is fading. He magically turns Jumping Mouse into an eagle.

The illustrations are more compelling than the story, drawn with charcoal pencil (I am guessing). They are lifelike and vivid, adding charm to the simple tale. The standard animal figures of buffalo, wolf, and eagle seem to turn up in most Native American literature.

This book tells a Native American story about a small mouse who must endure great hardships in order to reach his dreams. I purchase it over and over to give to children experiencing grief and loss in my work as a school social worker. The ending has a "never give up" message for the reader and the animals (mouse, frog, buffalo, wolf, eagle) are especially meaningful to Indian children. The black and white illustrations are beautiful. Written for elementary aged children, but a book to be cherished by teens and adults, too.

"Jumping Mouse, I give you a new name..." I found this wonderful book by complete accident when I was at a POW WOW in Indio, California. It was in soft cover and I had to have it in hard cover. How I adore the black and white drawings which give another dimension to the meaning of the story. Jumping Mouse had courage, hope and boundless compassion that transformed him into a creature he never thought he would ever become. But then, he did not set out on the journey thinking he would receive a reward. He simply wanted to see the Far Off Land. I intend to purchase more hard covers of this book to give as gifts to my friends. Truly, one of the most magical stories I have ever read in my life.

This children's book is a retelling of a Great Plains Indian tale about a mouse who travels far to see a beautiful land and how, despite misfortune, through his courage, strength , and selflessness, he is successful. The book was a 1985 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children.

This story is written in the style of a children's book but the underlying content and lessons are timeless. Charming, funny, saddening, and meaningful all at the same time. This small book conveys a truth which is equally simple and profound. I would recomend this title to anyone!

John Steptoe's 40-page illustrated version of The Story of Jumping Mouse is a Native American legend of a Magic Frog who gives his jumping legs to a discouraged young mouse that had recently set out on a quest -- a journey to a far-off land. The frog also tells Jumping Mouse to remember three words -- "never lose hope." Rejuvenated and able to travel much more quickly, Jumping Mouse continues on his journey. On the way he encounters a fat mouse who invites him to stay with him the rest of his life in a safe haven. But Jumping Mouse is determined to continue his quest and later discovers his acquaintance is eaten by a snake. When his journey brings him to a vast prairie Jumping Mouse is surprised to meet a lonely buffalo just standing there. Upon inquiry, he learns that the buffalo is blind, so Jumping Mouse imitates Magic Frog by giving his eyes sight to a blind buffalo and the buffalo leads him across the prairie on his back. At the end of the prairie the buffalo can go no further and Jumping Mouse recalls Magic Frog's words, "never lose hope" and thus journeys animal that identifies himself as a fox that can't smell. Jumping Mouse tries his magic once more and is able to give the fox his nose. The fox, delighted at his cure, accompanies Jumping Mouse through the forest. But as the forest ends at the foot of a mountain and the fox can not go any further, Jumping Mouse goes to sleep in despair in the face of this seemingly hopeless barrier to his goal. Suddenly Magic Frog appears again and tells Jumping Mouse to jump as high as he can and remember his words, "never lose hope." He gathers his courage, leaps as high as he can, and discovers himself soaring over the mountain as Magic Frog below shouts out Jumping Mouse's new name -- "Eagle." This is a wonderful story to teach children about Hope, Determination, Sacrifice, Hardship, and Compassion.