Kristin Raper Ed 224 The Story of Jumping Mouse Written and Illustrated By John Steptoe 1984 Harper Collins

Traditional Literature Native American Legend 39 pages Summary: Told from the viewpoint of a mouse , this story follows the mouse on his quest to get to the far off land. The Mouse had been told the story of the far off land by elders in his mouse community. It was a story told often and the Mouse thought it sounded like a wonderful place to go to. He sets out on his journey and encounters a magic frog that gives him the name Jumping Mouse and tells him that if he keeps his hopes alive even in the face of hardship he will reach the far off land. Along the journey, Jumping Mouse encounters a Bison who is blind, and a Wolf that has lost his sense of smell. Jumping Mouse unselfishly gives the animals his own vision and ability to smell, all while keeping hope alive in him. Just as Jumping Mouse begins to doubt his ability to reach the far off lands, the magic frog reappears and rewards Jumping Mouse for his unselfish acts and commands the Jumping Mouse to jump as high as he can. Jumping Mouse jumps for the sky and the magic Frog gives him a new name Eagle, he transforms into an Eagle and he will live in the far off land forever. Personal response: I like the emphasis on perseverance and being unafraid in the face of uncertainty. I was able to connect to the message of helping others in need, regardless of your own peril because I have a strong passion for helping those who cannot help themselves, and also strongly believe in paying it forward. I

also made a connection to the message of having a dream/goal for the future. As I am in the midst of changing careers, I often have to remind myself of the prize that awaits me at the end of this journey, but I must persevere even in the face of adversity. I could really connect to the mouse wondering if he would ever reach the far off land. This book is the recipient of the Caldecott Honor in 1985. Strengths / Weaknesses: S: This re-telling of a Native American legend is enjoyable and poignant. It emphasizes inner strength, selflessness, and perseverance. The message that even the smallest creatures can dream of greatness will resonate with younger students. I think students in grades K-3 could easily relate to the story and understand the messages. The theme of inner strength bringing rewards beyond comprehension would easily transfer to many everyday situations for students. W: From a personal point of view, I would have preferred colored illustrations. I am fully aware that this book is a Caldecott Honor Book, which means the illustrations are award-winning; I just think color could lend even more emphasis to the story. I also wonder if the youngest of students might be slightly frightened by the somewhat predatory themes of the animal kingdom in this story. How this book might be used: This book would work well as a read aloud or possibly shared reading activities for students aged 5-8. I think the story lends itself well to lessons of character, and the six pillars of character, since there is strong emphasis on helping others, believing in ones self, and self-determination. I think younger students; grades two through four could also benefit on using this book to explore Native American cultures, and also even incorporate this book into a science lesson on animals of prey, and the

circle of life in the animal kingdom. For older students grades five through eight, this book could be used for lessons on Native American cultures, history, and legends.

Other books I read and would consider for this genre: Her Stories, African American Folktales, Fairy Tales and true tales by Virginia Hamilton Where The Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin Mufaros Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe The Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney The Funny Little Woman by Arlene Mosel