Reviews

L'île d'Abel by Henry Robillo, William Steig, Janine Hérisson

ocurtsinger's review against another edition

4.0

just the bee's knees

johnnymacaroni's review against another edition

3.0

This was OK...I don't think kids today would appreciate it (as it is very introspective) but Abel is very cool mouse! I'm glad I listened to it as opposed to reading it.

bkoser's review against another edition

I’m going to mail a copy of this to Daniel Defoe with the note, “This is how it’s done”

tasharobinson's review against another edition

4.0

I'm on a bit of a run of reading or re-reading William Steig books from childhood. This one always fascinated me because it was nothing like other books I'd read — the protagonist is full of schemes and heroics, and they fail over and over, so in the end, most of the book is just about him surviving day to day, and waiting for things to change. Relatable, especially in quarantine!

This book feels a little like a survivalist manual, especially if you happen to be a well-born, extremely rich and civilized mouse. But it's also strangely philosophical for a kid's book, with Abel coming to terms with the possibility of his own death, dealing with loneliness, learning to appreciate beauty, deciding to make art, engaging in protracted battles with the elements and a predator, and a lot more. Just a really interesting and unusual kids' story.

sharon_b's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

ehays84's review against another edition

4.0

I can't remember exactly when I first read this as a child, probably second grade or so. I loved Steig's picture books when I was younger, so that was probably what drew me to try this one. I remember really liking it and having a great feeling of accomplishment when I finished a chapter book on my own. For all those reasons, this was fun to read to Jackson. He definitely enjoyed it. He can follow a book like this as long as there are pictures every few pages.

It's essentially a Robinson Crusoe story retold with a mouse, which is pretty fun. But it's actually got depth to it, such as Abel wrestling with missing his wife, realizing and overcoming his spoiled upbringing, loneliness, and even finding his vocation.

If you are looking for one to read to your kids, this is a good one.

emzpiney's review against another edition

4.0

Although this book seems like a simple tale of a mouse's adventure, there are some pretty profound messages here.

idgey's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

wesleyrose's review against another edition

5.0

This novel is the last book I read for my children’s literature course. William Steig is now one of my favourite authors for children. He manages to wind a great plot for children with a language that is sophisticated and funny. I found myself incredibly drawn into the experiences of this little mouse and teared up when Abel had to say goodbye to the island that Abel called home. The island allowed Abel to explore a creative side and take a second glance at his life and if it was what he wanted. Steig beautifully delves into such an adult and complicated topic of reassessing one’s life but uses a dainty mouse to express these personal investigations into the self. Amazing book, I highly recommend it!

mat_tobin's review against another edition

5.0

Having begun his writing career working for The New Yorker, Steig eventually turned to children's literature at the ripe age of 60. All of his books are different. Humorous, often touched with pathos, Abel's Island, now published by Pushkin, is one of my favourites.
The story opens with Abel and his wife celebrating their trouble-free life by picnicking near the river. There is a touch of pampered arrogance and well-to-do about the couple yet when a heavy storm sweeps the land, Abel, in a touch of quaint chivalry, is whisked off in the flood and stranded on an island. Whilst there he questions his past life, which is recognises was empty, and begins to pursue a more internal blossoming in which he finds himself through hard work and the exploration of the creative arts.
Written in '76 and the winner of New York Book Review Outstanding Book of the Year, and a 1977 Newbery Honor Book, I would gladly share this with children. It places in front of them big questions with regards to what we live for, what things can distract us and the promise of a more meaningful life.