“A gem of a story. ”—Booklist (starred review)
“A marvelous heroic journey. ”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A narrative centering family bonds and new experiences. ”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Newbery Medal winner Lynne Rae Perkins introduces Violet and Jobie, two house mice exiled to the wilderness, in an exceptional read-aloud and read-alone for fans of Skunk and Badger, Nuts to You, and classic animal stories such as Stuart Little. This thrilling—and funny!—animal adventure explores themes of friendship, family, bravery, and the meaning of home. Violet & Jobie in the Wild is illustrated in black-and-white throughout by the author.
Brother and sister mice Violet and Jobie live a cozy and comfortable life in a humans’ house, where food is plentiful, and the television is both educational and entertaining. In fact, Violet, tucked safely behind a book in the bookcase, loves to watch nature programs along with the young boy of the family. The boy’s mother, however, isn’t the biggest fan of mice.
When Violet and Jobie are caught in a trap, the young boy pleads with his mother to release them, and she agrees. Now Violet and Jobie find themselves in tall grasses, under tall trees, surrounded by all kinds of unfamiliar scents and sounds and creatures. In short, they find themselves in the wild. How will they survive?
This short, generously illustrated novel is packed with action, humor, heart, friendship, and surprises. Award-winning author Lynne Rae Perkins’s Violet & Jobie in the Wild will resonate with readers who love books about animals.
- Survival Story: Pampered house mice Violet and Jobie have only ever seen the wild on TV. Now, they must learn to find food, build shelter, and face predators for the very first time.
- Found Family: Lost and alone, the siblings meet Zolian, a wise old mouse of the forest who teaches them the ways of the wild and shows them they don’t have to face their new world by themselves.
- Gentle Adventure: Perfect for young readers, this charming tale is filled with funny moments, low-stakes dangers, and the quiet bravery of two mice discovering their courage.
- Classic Animal Fantasy: With beautiful black-and-white illustrations and a timeless feel, this story is perfect for fans of classics like Stuart Little and modern favorites like Skunk and Badger.
Lynne Rae Perkins was awarded the Newbery Medal for Criss Cross. She is the author of five other novels—All Alone in the Universe, As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth, Nuts to You, Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea, and Violet and Jobie in the Wild. Lynne Rae Perkins has also written and illustrated several acclaimed picture books, including Frank and Lucky Get Schooled, The Broken Cat, Snow Music, Pictures from Our Vacation, The Cardboard Piano, Wintercake, and The Museum of Everything. The author lives with her family in northern Michigan. Visit her online at lynnerae.com.
