Other editions of book Song of the Jackalope

Set in the picturesque landscape of the American southwest, the legendary jackalope comes alive in this appealing story of young Molly and a series of surprising and revealing adventures. Handicapped by only having one antler and ridiculed by the other jackalopes, Molly is aided through the intervention of the mysterious Grandal. Through him, she soon learns that the true source of strength is within. With that assurance and by using her own special gift, the little jackalope is able to touch the life of a lonely sheepherder and finds a mystical reward for herself in the experience. The door to Molly’s circle quickly widens to reveal her cousins, Priscilla and Abigail, the food-obsessed Jumbo, and an irrepressible magpie named Fraida. Enter also, Molly’s newfound friendship with a ginkgo tree and a threat to its existence from some of Molly’s friends. A new test comes with Grandal’s strange summons for assistance in aiding a trapped coyote, a fearful enemy of the jackalope clan. Adding to the danger on the mission is the proximity of the alluring, but deadly Matamor, an enchanting oasis. As the plot deepens, other jackalopes are drawn into the action, and Molly is increasingly confronted by her own doubts and fears. Driven by a sense of duty, but caught in the vortex of a powerful force at the end, she is swept to a startling revelation and conclusion.

"Song of the Jackalope" draws on the image of a legendary animal whose history as a myth is not fully known. By one account, the first white man who claimed to see a jackalope was an old western trapper. As the legend grew, there were stories of cowboys hearing humanlike voices singing to them from lonely hillsides or prairies at night. The melodies, it was said, were those of the jackalope, a creature of remarkable vocal abilities and very fleet of foot. Now the legendary "critter" comes alive in an unusual book that is written as juvenile fiction, but offers adult appreciation as well. Its setting is in the picturesque landscape of the southwest; there are 76 hand drawn illustrations that bring the scenes and characters to life. The story itself centers on a handicapped young jackalope named Molly who undergoes a series of surprising and revealing adventures. Possessed of a gifted singing voice, she is befriended by Grandal, a shadowy old jack rabbit of mystical origin. Other characters of interest enter the plot, and Molly finds herself increasingly challenged by unusual circumstances, moving to a finale which is unexpected but uplifting in emotion and spirit. Decidedly alegorical, there are some humorous episodes and character traits that most people will recognize. Fifth grade to adult.