Abel's Island

by William Steig

128 pgs, ages 8 and up

A review by the School Library Journal

Abel -- short for Abelard -- is another of Steig's sure-fire charmers. When a fierce storm interrupts an idyllic picnic being enjoyed by dandified mouse Abel and his recent bride Amanda, Abel is swept away from his sheltered life by a torrent of water and marooned indefinitely on a river island. Mustering his inner resources, he learns to make fire, sets up housekeeping in a hollow log, and begins storing food for winter. But all is not sheer survival; inspired by his natural surroundings, Abel takes up sculpture and discovers his true vocation; he also dreams of his dear Amanda and wonders about the meaning of it all. After some close calls with a hungry owl and a tough, discouraging winter, spring brings Abel's first visitor -- a fat, old, absent-minded but loveable frog who has been swept off course himself. The frog eventually departs with promises to send rescuers, but none arrives. At last, after a dry summer, the river falls enough so that Abel can swim it himself and make his way to a joyous homecoming. Abel's adventures are presented with Steig's usual grace, warmth, and insight, and the delights of the text are further enhanced by his black-and-white drawings. On all counts, it's a winner.

This book won the Newberry Honor in 1977.