Abel’s Island

William’s Steig’s Abel’s Island tells the story of a mouse who gets swept away from his beloved wifeΓÇöa truly timeless classic about life’s simple pleasures. Abel’s place in his familiar,mouse world has always been secure; he had an allowance from his mothera comfortable homeand a lovely wifeAmanda. But one stormy August dayfurious flood water carry him off and dump him on an uninhabited island. Despite his determination and stubborn resourcefulness–he tried crossing the river with boats and ropes and even on stepping-stones–Abel can’t find a way to get back home. Daysthen weeks and monthspass. Slowlyhis soft habits disappear as he forages for foodfashions a warm nest in a hollow logmodels clay statues of his family for companyand continues to brood on the problem of how to get across the river–and home. Abel’s time on the island brings him a new understanding of the world he’s separated from. Faced with the daily adventure of survival in his solitarysomewhat hostile domainhe is moved to reexamine the easy way of life he had always accepted and discovers skills and talents in himself that hold promise of a more meaningful lifeif and when he should finally return to Mossville and his dear Amanda again. Abel’s Island is a 1976 New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Yearand a 1977 Newbery Honor Book. It was adapted to a short animated film directed by Michael Sporn in 1988.