Jumping Mouse

by James McGinnis (aka "Francis the Clown")

John Steptoe's 40-page illustrated version of The Story of Jumping Mouse (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 105 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016) is a Native American legend of a Magic Frog who gives his jumping legs to a discouraged young mouse who had recently set out in pursuit of his dream -- a journey to the far-off land.  He also tells Jumping Mouse to remember three words -- "never lose hope."   Rejuvenated and able to travel much more quickly, Jumping Mouse resumes his journey.  On the way he encounters a fat old mouse who entices him to enjoy a comfortable rest.  But Jumping Mouse discovers his resolve just in time, as his lazy host is eaten by a snake.  When his journey brings him to a vast prairie Jumping Mouse discovers a lonely buffalo just standing there.   Upon inquiry, he learns that the buffalo is blind, so Jumping Mouse imitates Magic Frog by giving his eyes to a blind buffalo (renamed "Eyes of a Mouse") and the buffalo leads him across the prairie on his back.  At the end of the prairie the buffalo can go no further and Jumping Mouse recalls Magic Frog's words, "never lose hope" and thus proceeds into the forest ahead.  Soon he hears an animal who identifies himself as a fox who can't smell.  Jumping Mouse tries his magic once more and is able to give the fox his nose and rename him "Nose of a Mouse."  In turn, the fox leads Jumping Mouse through the forest.  But as the forest ends at the foot of a high mountain and the fox can go no further, Jumping Mouse goes to sleep in despair in the face of this seemingly insurmountable barrier to his goal.  Suddenly Magic Frog appears and tells Jumping Mouse to jump as high as he can and remember his words, "never lose hope."  He gathers his courage, leaps as high as he can, and discovers himself soaring over the mountain as Magic Frog below shouts out Jumping Mouse's new name -- "Eagle."

You can embellish this core of the story in many ways, perhaps creating a dramatic reading or play, adapting it to the age and interests of your students.  At a minimum, you can tell the story on the move, imitating Jumping Mouse in each part of his journey, with the children chanting Magic Frog's words -- "never lose hope" -- each time it is appropriate.

Discussion questions following the story could include:

a.  Why was Jumping Mouse able to realize his dream?

b.  What were some of the temptations he had to overcome on his journey?

c.  What is the connection between achieving your dream and a willingness to sacrifice yourself for others?

d.  Who are some famous "Jumping Mouse"- type people?  (Jesus and Martin Luther King, Jr., are two obvious examples.  Ask the children how each was like Jumping Mouse.  If and when you use the story of Bear Hugs and John Jost you might ask how John and his sister were also like Jumping Mouse).

e.  Who are some people in your own family, school or community who are like Jumping Mouse?

f.  What are some ways you can be like Jumping Mouse at this point in your life?