Newbery Medal winner Lynne Rae Perkins introduces Violet and Jobie, two house mice relocated to the wilderness, in an exceptional read-aloud and read-alone for fans of Skunk and Badger and Nuts to You. This thrilling—and funny!—animal adventure explores themes of friendship, family, bravery, and the meaning of home. 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 good. 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 trapped, the young boy pleads with his mother to release them. Now, Violet and Jobie find themselves in tall grasses, under tall trees, surrounded by all kinds of unfamiliar scents and sounds. In short, they find themselves in the wild.
This short, generously illustrated novel is packed with action, humor, heart, and friendship. Award-winning author Lynne Rae Perkins’s Violet and Jobie in the Wild will resonate with nature lovers and the young middle grade audience.
Black-and-white illustrations.
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School Library Journal
Gr 2–5—Violet and Jobie are mouse siblings who have become accustomed to their cushy life indoors. With no lack of food and shelter, they spend their days watching the humans' television. However, when they are outsmarted by a trap and relocated to the woods, the pair suddenly needs to learn to survive—finding food, shelter, and safety from predators. With the guidance of a wizened field mouse named Zolian, the siblings learn to enjoy their new home. Infused with humor and touching character depth, this book provides a nuanced look at what it means to be home and to grow up. Readers who are drawn to the charming black-and-white sketch illustrations and the animal story will be in for a pleasant surprise at the heart and sophistication of the story that gives the book broader appeal. VERDICT Strongly recommended purchase for elementary collections and readers who enjoy the work of Katherine Applegate.—Monisha Blair