The Island of the Skog

This was my very first book. I remember having it read to me many times over. I love the illustrations. They are so textured, all I have to do is look at the pictures to bring me back to when I was small. The story line is great, I love the little poem at the end. And I really can't say enough for the illustrations, they really made the book.

I first got a chance to read Island of the Skog in eighth grade. Mr. Kellogg was giving a speech on the book making process from writing to publishing and handed everyone a copy of his book as an example. Being in Junior High, we were older than the usual demographic for picture books and thought we were too sophisticated for them as well. That the adventures of the mice and Skog held us enthralled says a great deal for Mr. Kellogg's skill as a storyteller. This is a great book for children of all ages and if you don't have children, pick up a copy for yourself. I think you'll be surprised how much you'll enjoy your time with the Skog.

My father read me this book when I was only about 5 years old, but the memory of it is with me still. I can still see in the back of my mind those freezing mice huddiling around their waffle iron, and the poor skog, crying in shame and fear. I can also see them dancing for joy with their new-found friend. I love this book, and pray that some day I will be able to share this wonderful tale with others.

I can't even remember how old I was when I first saw this book, but the illustrations are excellent, and the story just as exciting every time you read it again. The jist of the story is that a group of mice set sail in a model ship in search of freedom, and eventually reach the "Island of the Skog" which is the supposed territory of "one Skog." The lead mouse (named Bouncer, if I remember correctly) has an aggressive approach to the skog, and fires the model ship's cannonballs as a warning to the skog. The skog, in turn, reacts by disguising himself as a huge monster and menacing the new colony of mice. Eventually the mice devise an ingenious trap for the skog, and one night they decide to put it into effect. It works for a while, and then the mice discover who the skog really is. Besides the quality of the story here, there are some genuine lessons to be learned about human relations, respect, and kindness which make the book stand out within the category of children's literature.

I was introduced to this book 15 years ago, as a fifth grader, and it has always been my favorite. The courageous journey that Jenny and her friends endure is inspiring and uplifting. I find myself cheering these characters on every time I read it.