'Steig is triumphant in the quality of his prose' The New York Times

'Steig's books are like perfect stones, complete in themselves, with no seams to be found' Jon Klassen

Abel and Amanda are blissfully happy. The two mice have been married for over a year and live in a lovely home with no reason to worry. Until, one summer afternoon, a sudden storm carries off Amanda's scarf. As Abel rushes after it, he too is caught by the wind and swept far away to a deserted island...

Stranded but never defeated, Abel tries everything - constructing bridges, boats, catapults and stepping stones. But as winter draws in, the brave little mouse must endure hunger, danger and the ever-present threat of a nasty owl. Against these impossible odds, can Abel find his way back home?

Part of the new Pushkin Children's Classics series of thrilling, magical and inspiring stories from around the world, which young readers will return to time and again.

William Steig (1907-2003) was an American cartoonist, sculptor and illustrator and writer of children's books. He was also the creator of Shrek!, which inspired the film series of the same name. He was the U.S. nominee for both of the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Awards, as a children's book illustrator in 1982 and a writer in 1988.

About the Author
William Steig (1907-2003) was an American cartoonist, sculptor and illustrator and writer of children's books. He was also the creator of Shrek!, which inspired the film series of the same name. He was the U.S. nominee for both of the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Awards, as a children's book illustrator in 1982 and a writer in 1988.

Reviews
It's not only for kids that Steig's work offers revelations... [Abel's Island] is a deep meditation on time and endurance * Los Angeles Times *
There was no trouble in locating the best book of the year, William Steig's Abel's Island... Steig is triumphant in the quality of his prose - nor has he stinted on the quality and quantity of his illustrations * The New York Times *
Abel is a classic Steig hero: amiable, dignified, polite and given to moments of brave self-understanding that cause him to rise to desperate challenges... a joy to read aloud * Wall Street Journal *
Abel's adventures are presented with Steig's usual grace, warmth, and insight, and the delights of the text are further enhanced by his drawings. On all counts, it's a winner * School Library Journal, Starred Review *
With inimitable style, Steig tells the story of a mouse... who gets swept away * Booklist, Starred Review *
Whatever child likes The Bat-Poet or Charlotte's Web will love the way Steig uses our language and will want to relive Abel's odyssey on many a rainy Sunday afternoon * Washington Post Book World *
Steig's books are like perfect smooth stones, complete in themselves, with no seams to be found... he always has the skill to bring together what seems to be a lot of spur-of-the-moment choices and make them into stories that land so perfectly and satisfyingly and feel so inevitable in their endings -- Jon Klassen, author of 'This Is Not My Hat' * Guardian *
Each delightful story is exquisite in the telling and the witty illustrations perfectly complement the narration * Carousel *



Book Information
ISBN 9781782695103
Author William Steig
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Pushkin Children's Books
Publisher Pushkin Press