Abel's Island

Winner of the Newbery Medal and Honor: a heartwarming tale of one mouse's struggle to go home, with delightful illustrations by the author

Abel has been happily married to Amanda for over a year. He has a comfortable home, an allowance from his mother, and no reason to worry. But one summer afternoon, a sudden storm blows away Amanda's scarf. Abel rushes after it – and is swept away by the wind.

When he finally comes to rest, he finds himself marooned on an uninhabited island. Ever resourceful, he is sure he will escape. He tries everything – bridges, boats, catapults, stepping stones – but gradually comes to realise that there is no way out…

As the winter draws in, the canny mouse must endure hunger, danger, and the ever-present threat of an owl with nasty intentions. And will he ever get home? Will he see his beloved Amanda once more?

William Steig (1907-2003) was an American author and illustrator of award-winning books for children. His books include Shrek!, on which the films of the same name are based, Dominic and The Real Thief, both published by Pushkin Children's. He twice received the Newbery Honor, was awarded the Caldecott Medal, and was the US nominee for both of the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Awards, as a children's book illustrator in 1982 and a writer in 1988.