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The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic
Ten-year-old Persimmony Smudge leads (much to her chagrin) a very dull life on the Island at the Center of Everything . . . until the night she overhears a life-changing secret. It seems that Mount Majestic, the rising and falling mountain in the center of the island, is not a mountain at all--it's the belly of a sleeping giant, moving as the giant breathes. Now Persimmony and her new friend Worvil the Worrier have to convince all the island's other quarreling inhabitants--including the silly Rumblebumps, the impeccably mannered Leafeaters, and the stubborn young king--that a giant is sleeping in their midst, and must not be woken.
Enhanced with Brett Helquist's dazzling illustrations, Jennifer Trafton's rollicking debut tells the story of one brave girl's efforts to make an entire island believe the impossible.
Enhanced with Brett Helquist's dazzling illustrations, Jennifer Trafton's rollicking debut tells the story of one brave girl's efforts to make an entire island believe the impossible.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2010
108 people are currently reading
3655 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Trafton
16 books234 followersJENNIFER TRAFTON is the author of The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic, which was a nominee for Tennessee’s Volunteer State Book Award and the National Homeschool Book award. Henry and the Chalk Dragon arose from her lifelong love of art and her personal quest for the courage to be an artist. When she’s not writing or drawing, she teaches creative writing classes and workshops in a variety of schools, libraries, and homeschool groups, as well as online classes to kids around the world. She lives in a 150-year-old farmhouse in Nashville, Tennessee, along with her husband, an energetic border collie, a miniature rooster, an assortment of chickens and ducks, and a ghost who haunts the staircase.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
August 23, 2024
Just when I was in the middle of reading slump - this book came along to enchant me and remind me what reading is all about.
INTRO -
I have not quite gathered all my thoughts and feelings about this book as well as I would have liked, but felt I should gather what there is to gather before it slips away . . . and I have reluctantly embraced the fact that my review will not do this book justice.
Nevertheless, here it is.
The closest thing I can relate this to is the movie Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium– a movie that is rather “my movie” because of the way it drives straight down into something fundamentally me. It is one of the few movies I can ever think of that makes me feel brave.
And this book was very much the same.
THE STYLE -
There is a beautiful, rhythmic cadence to Trafton's writing style that reminds me of waves lapping on a shore – it’s simple, soothing and beautiful in its steady repetition.
Below them, the sea lay like a great shining mirror, and Guafnoggle ran eagerly over the rocks to find himself in it.
I was surprised to find a modern writer that actually had a soul in her writing. I find that most modern writers contain a tone that is so soullessly homogenized, it would be impossible to tell one author apart from the other if one took the titles away. But not so with this author. A true writer, Jennifer commands these words and makes them her own, the words don’t bully her.
THE STORY -
(paraphrasing from the blurb)
. . . do I really need to say anything more about the story?
In truth, though - this book is not so much about WHAT happens as it is more a suggestion about HOW we ought to approach life and all it's twists and turns.
THE WORLD BUILDING -
The world building is nothing short of delightful – from the happy-go-lucky coast-dwelling Rumblebumps, the excruciatingly polite and unfailingly serious Leafeaters, the rather naughty mangrove trees that fuddle through the forest, the man-eating giant tortoises that cause people to flee in terror and, of course, let us not forget the giant! Oh, there is so much wonder and fun and mystery on this little island.
THE CHARACTERS -
Persimmony Smudge: A truly courageous young heroine who possesses one of the most admirable of all qualities – she keeps moving forward.
King Lucas the Lofty: A hilarious and obnoxious little brat, but we are still very much invested in seeing him redeemed by the end of the book. His gradual awakening to the idea that the world might not revolve around him is a treat to watch.
Prunella: At first I thought she was going to be a “one-trick pony” and do nothing more than fulfill the boring, dutiful daughter role, but she had a few surprises in her. Her hidden talent for hysterics and her primness creates humor and awkwardness as she is injected into one weird situation after another.
Mrs. Smudge: At first I thought she was going to be the heavy of this book – but then the character turned around and surprised me. Underneath the slightly unusual exterior, she truly loves her family and has a rock-solid moral compass and heart and a “moral objection” to cowardice of all kinds.
Worvil: Something about this little fellow reminded me of Bilbo Baggins. A perpetual worrier who would really prefer NOT to have anything to do with danger or adventure is persistently thrust into the most absurd adventures and gradually, there is an awakening and shaking inside him as he begins to see a world that is bigger than his own fears as he opens the door to awe and wonder.
Guafnoggle: This adorable little Rumplebump is simply too cute for words. The resident court jester, at first I was a little afraid that Guafnoggle might be the classic “annoyingly funny character” who pretty much just gets in the way of the story's progression to BE funny. Fortunately, this charming little creature is perfectly organic to the rest of the tale and an absolute gem.
Simon Smudge: An incredibly impactful character, despite his small roll. I loved Persimmony’s undying belief that her father was a true hero (even though he was a bit quirky) . . . and I loved the deeper message to Simon. Be careful of making assumptions – it’s those who are brave enough to be different who often lead the way.
THE THEMES -
This is a quirky, whimsical quality to the story, but also a great warmth and a heart.
Every breath means another day, and every day is only a breath.
Contrary to one might expect, there is not a proper “pink bow” ending for this book, but a wild and real mixture of fear and faith, the unknown and the known, joy and loss . . . all wrapped up in a tenacious hope.
I am not a crier by nature, and it is quite rare when something fictional can reduce me to tears, but by the final pages, I had tears in my eyes and running down my face. There were actually moments that made me catch my breath as the writers subtly woven in a theme personal and beautiful.
"It’s alive, it’s alive! Have you ever seen anything more wonderful and beautiful and marvelous in the whole wide world? Oh, life is the sunrise, and life is the sea, and life is a game, and life is a pot of tears, and life is a starfish growing it’s arms back, and now everything is different again!"
CONCLUSION -
There are some books that piece through you right to your core in a way that you can’t explain. And even though it’s inexplicable, and a bit painful . . . it’s as sweet to your heart as a favorite song.
Every once in a while, you stumble across a story (in film or in print) that captures a little piece of how your heart looks at the world.
And one of those stories would be The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic.
Life is a mess and a miracle. So pick up a broom and dance.
CONTENT OF CONCERN: There is one scene where a female Leafeater loses her skirt when someone steps on it, and it is briefly mentioned that her underwear is seen, but it is not written crudely or even humorously. There is also one character who briefly appears at the end who is a kind of prophet and keeps ranting about the end times. I felt that might have been a sly insult to Christianity and didn’t care for this angle, but fortunately, the scenes are brief.
INTRO -
I have not quite gathered all my thoughts and feelings about this book as well as I would have liked, but felt I should gather what there is to gather before it slips away . . . and I have reluctantly embraced the fact that my review will not do this book justice.
Nevertheless, here it is.
The closest thing I can relate this to is the movie Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium– a movie that is rather “my movie” because of the way it drives straight down into something fundamentally me. It is one of the few movies I can ever think of that makes me feel brave.
And this book was very much the same.
THE STYLE -
There is a beautiful, rhythmic cadence to Trafton's writing style that reminds me of waves lapping on a shore – it’s simple, soothing and beautiful in its steady repetition.
Below them, the sea lay like a great shining mirror, and Guafnoggle ran eagerly over the rocks to find himself in it.
I was surprised to find a modern writer that actually had a soul in her writing. I find that most modern writers contain a tone that is so soullessly homogenized, it would be impossible to tell one author apart from the other if one took the titles away. But not so with this author. A true writer, Jennifer commands these words and makes them her own, the words don’t bully her.
THE STORY -
(paraphrasing from the blurb)
A dirty young girl named Persimmony Smudge dreams of glory and discovers that her island home At The Center Of Everything is actually resting on the stomach of a sleeping giant who must not be woken at all costs!
. . . do I really need to say anything more about the story?
In truth, though - this book is not so much about WHAT happens as it is more a suggestion about HOW we ought to approach life and all it's twists and turns.
THE WORLD BUILDING -
The world building is nothing short of delightful – from the happy-go-lucky coast-dwelling Rumblebumps, the excruciatingly polite and unfailingly serious Leafeaters, the rather naughty mangrove trees that fuddle through the forest, the man-eating giant tortoises that cause people to flee in terror and, of course, let us not forget the giant! Oh, there is so much wonder and fun and mystery on this little island.
THE CHARACTERS -
Persimmony Smudge: A truly courageous young heroine who possesses one of the most admirable of all qualities – she keeps moving forward.
King Lucas the Lofty: A hilarious and obnoxious little brat, but we are still very much invested in seeing him redeemed by the end of the book. His gradual awakening to the idea that the world might not revolve around him is a treat to watch.
Prunella: At first I thought she was going to be a “one-trick pony” and do nothing more than fulfill the boring, dutiful daughter role, but she had a few surprises in her. Her hidden talent for hysterics and her primness creates humor and awkwardness as she is injected into one weird situation after another.
Mrs. Smudge: At first I thought she was going to be the heavy of this book – but then the character turned around and surprised me. Underneath the slightly unusual exterior, she truly loves her family and has a rock-solid moral compass and heart and a “moral objection” to cowardice of all kinds.
Worvil: Something about this little fellow reminded me of Bilbo Baggins. A perpetual worrier who would really prefer NOT to have anything to do with danger or adventure is persistently thrust into the most absurd adventures and gradually, there is an awakening and shaking inside him as he begins to see a world that is bigger than his own fears as he opens the door to awe and wonder.
Guafnoggle: This adorable little Rumplebump is simply too cute for words. The resident court jester, at first I was a little afraid that Guafnoggle might be the classic “annoyingly funny character” who pretty much just gets in the way of the story's progression to BE funny. Fortunately, this charming little creature is perfectly organic to the rest of the tale and an absolute gem.
Simon Smudge: An incredibly impactful character, despite his small roll. I loved Persimmony’s undying belief that her father was a true hero (even though he was a bit quirky) . . . and I loved the deeper message to Simon. Be careful of making assumptions – it’s those who are brave enough to be different who often lead the way.
THE THEMES -
This is a quirky, whimsical quality to the story, but also a great warmth and a heart.
Every breath means another day, and every day is only a breath.
Contrary to one might expect, there is not a proper “pink bow” ending for this book, but a wild and real mixture of fear and faith, the unknown and the known, joy and loss . . . all wrapped up in a tenacious hope.
I am not a crier by nature, and it is quite rare when something fictional can reduce me to tears, but by the final pages, I had tears in my eyes and running down my face. There were actually moments that made me catch my breath as the writers subtly woven in a theme personal and beautiful.
"It’s alive, it’s alive! Have you ever seen anything more wonderful and beautiful and marvelous in the whole wide world? Oh, life is the sunrise, and life is the sea, and life is a game, and life is a pot of tears, and life is a starfish growing it’s arms back, and now everything is different again!"
CONCLUSION -
There are some books that piece through you right to your core in a way that you can’t explain. And even though it’s inexplicable, and a bit painful . . . it’s as sweet to your heart as a favorite song.
Every once in a while, you stumble across a story (in film or in print) that captures a little piece of how your heart looks at the world.
And one of those stories would be The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic.
Life is a mess and a miracle. So pick up a broom and dance.
CONTENT OF CONCERN: There is one scene where a female Leafeater loses her skirt when someone steps on it, and it is briefly mentioned that her underwear is seen, but it is not written crudely or even humorously. There is also one character who briefly appears at the end who is a kind of prophet and keeps ranting about the end times. I felt that might have been a sly insult to Christianity and didn’t care for this angle, but fortunately, the scenes are brief.
August 11, 2016
I'm seriously going to name a kid Persimmony... Such a pleasant change of pace from the sour and gloomy fantasy books that seem so available these days. I like a good dystopia too, but it's harder to find something this light and comical that still carries insight about human nature and difficult choices. The book is a physical delight as well - kudos to publishers who make a book worth having on the shelf for years.
February 4, 2011
Persimmony Smudge can't help but march to a different saxophone.. er... accordion... Well, you get the idea. To the rote and unimaginative, she's an odd little girl with the vexing inclinations of an explorer or even (gasp) an artist. Yet her unwillingness to conform to the mundane ultimately leads her on a grand journey of redemption.
Trafton's writing voice is vibrant. She brings the levity and wit of Lemony Snicket into a story less dolorous but equally rousing. Her craftsmanship is creative and exquisite, so that I found myself rereading sentences so perfectly constructed, I wanted to shout.
A Trafton reader will get the sense that a great deal of fun was had in the making of story. The chapter titles alone are worth the cost of the book, with gems such as: "CH 15: 'In Which It is Better to Be a Noble Worm than a Dead Frog (or Something Like That.)'" and "CH 9: 'In Which a Lyre Tells the Truth (Perhaps)'". While reading, I felt a bit like I was watching an Olympic athlete, fitted with years of hard practice, caught simply in the childlike bliss of a ten-point vault. Light. Strong. Perfect execution.
As I read, I found myself soaking not only in the primary plot, but also in the underlying layers of truth beneath it. This book functions on multiple levels, ministering to the spirit as well as the mind, and an astute reader will glean something from every one of them.
One last note. This is a book you'll want to buy in printed form (not an e-version). Everything about its physical appearance is beautiful. The size, heft, illustrations, pages, make it a tactile delight.
Five stars for the debut of a brilliant new children's author. Encore!
Trafton's writing voice is vibrant. She brings the levity and wit of Lemony Snicket into a story less dolorous but equally rousing. Her craftsmanship is creative and exquisite, so that I found myself rereading sentences so perfectly constructed, I wanted to shout.
A Trafton reader will get the sense that a great deal of fun was had in the making of story. The chapter titles alone are worth the cost of the book, with gems such as: "CH 15: 'In Which It is Better to Be a Noble Worm than a Dead Frog (or Something Like That.)'" and "CH 9: 'In Which a Lyre Tells the Truth (Perhaps)'". While reading, I felt a bit like I was watching an Olympic athlete, fitted with years of hard practice, caught simply in the childlike bliss of a ten-point vault. Light. Strong. Perfect execution.
As I read, I found myself soaking not only in the primary plot, but also in the underlying layers of truth beneath it. This book functions on multiple levels, ministering to the spirit as well as the mind, and an astute reader will glean something from every one of them.
One last note. This is a book you'll want to buy in printed form (not an e-version). Everything about its physical appearance is beautiful. The size, heft, illustrations, pages, make it a tactile delight.
Five stars for the debut of a brilliant new children's author. Encore!
December 10, 2010
I'm always on the lookout for a fun, lighthearted book. I knew I wanted to read The Rise and Fall of Mt. Majestic when I first heard about it on Andrew Peterson's Rabbit Room website. The recommendations at The Rabbit Room have always panned out for me and resulted in some very enjoyable reads and new favorite authors. To my surprise I won a copy on a Good Reads' contest that Jennifer Trafton (the author) was holding. The book arrived a few days later and I dug right in.
I'll start by saying that the writing is superb. As Andrew Peterson said in his review, Jennifer really knows how to craft a sentence. The story moves along at a brisk pace with dialogue that is so wonderful I often found myself smiling. If I wasn't opposed to highlighting in my novels I would have highlighted a lot of lines that are absolutely quotable. The characters are amazing. Our lead heroine, ten-year-old Persimmony Smudge, is so adorable and likable that I really hope we get to go back to the Island at the Center of Everything in the future. While we don't get a ton of back-story on all the characters, they're fleshed out so that we understand why they are the way they are and it's a delight to see how they change and grow over the course of the story.
I most related to Worvil the Worrier, who's progression through the story made me cheer by the book's end, and bratty 12-year-old King Lucas the Loftier (I love pepper too!), who also grows quite a bit through the story. You could really feel what the characters were wrestling with and feel the weight of the situations they found themselves in.
Adding to the great story and the great characters are incredible illustrations by Brett Helquist (of Lemony Snicket fame). I'm a huge fan of art like his and I loved turning the page of a great scene to see his beautifully drawn artwork.
Most of my recent reading has been young adult/teen fiction like The Hunger Games trilogy and others like that. The Rise and Fall of Mt. Majestic is more children's fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It's the kind of book that I can't wait to read to my son when he gets a little older. It's a sweet story about bravery and courage and putting others before yourself. I can't wait to see what Jennifer brings us next. I'll definitely be there on release day.
I'll start by saying that the writing is superb. As Andrew Peterson said in his review, Jennifer really knows how to craft a sentence. The story moves along at a brisk pace with dialogue that is so wonderful I often found myself smiling. If I wasn't opposed to highlighting in my novels I would have highlighted a lot of lines that are absolutely quotable. The characters are amazing. Our lead heroine, ten-year-old Persimmony Smudge, is so adorable and likable that I really hope we get to go back to the Island at the Center of Everything in the future. While we don't get a ton of back-story on all the characters, they're fleshed out so that we understand why they are the way they are and it's a delight to see how they change and grow over the course of the story.
I most related to Worvil the Worrier, who's progression through the story made me cheer by the book's end, and bratty 12-year-old King Lucas the Loftier (I love pepper too!), who also grows quite a bit through the story. You could really feel what the characters were wrestling with and feel the weight of the situations they found themselves in.
Adding to the great story and the great characters are incredible illustrations by Brett Helquist (of Lemony Snicket fame). I'm a huge fan of art like his and I loved turning the page of a great scene to see his beautifully drawn artwork.
Most of my recent reading has been young adult/teen fiction like The Hunger Games trilogy and others like that. The Rise and Fall of Mt. Majestic is more children's fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It's the kind of book that I can't wait to read to my son when he gets a little older. It's a sweet story about bravery and courage and putting others before yourself. I can't wait to see what Jennifer brings us next. I'll definitely be there on release day.
March 26, 2024
Everything about this book is delightful from beginning to end. Jennifer Trafton weaves together characters that make you laugh to come up with themes that make you think. She doesn't draw a line between the "important serious stuff" and the "less-important but fun stuff" - delight and dreams run together, deep reflections are had in a soup pot, and wisdom may be hiding in the last person we'd guess.
The writing style is, as always, superb - sparkling with character and confident enough in itself to risk bordering ridiculous. Heart and jokes line up side-by-side, and there's a richness in the way the sentences roll together that makes it an ideal read-aloud.
The writing style is, as always, superb - sparkling with character and confident enough in itself to risk bordering ridiculous. Heart and jokes line up side-by-side, and there's a richness in the way the sentences roll together that makes it an ideal read-aloud.
February 24, 2023
- Video Review on the Channel -
Amazing!! Maybe it’s just that I’m discovering my love of well-crafted middle grade fantasy, but regardless, Mount Majestic was a delight. I was sucked in by the engaging character voices (and the hilarious chapter titles), but the creative world and emotional journey had me laughing and weeping along with our delightful protagonists. Highly recommend.
If you want to hear more, check out the review on my BookTube channel!
https://youtu.be/VmrHFPKmNfw
Amazing!! Maybe it’s just that I’m discovering my love of well-crafted middle grade fantasy, but regardless, Mount Majestic was a delight. I was sucked in by the engaging character voices (and the hilarious chapter titles), but the creative world and emotional journey had me laughing and weeping along with our delightful protagonists. Highly recommend.
If you want to hear more, check out the review on my BookTube channel!
https://youtu.be/VmrHFPKmNfw
April 8, 2016
I loved the idea of this book...and I wanted to like it more than I did, but I just couldn't. The characters weren't very deep and the story didn't tie off as neatly as I would have preferred. But the kids liked it!
May 7, 2012
Hmmm...I wanted to like this book, but I just didn't. I felt like Trafton had some good ideas, but when I got to the end, it was like I had just finished reading a first or second draft, and not a finished product. I can't really recommend it, but a child might not be as picky as I am, so if you find a copy at a library, it would be worth a try.
January 19, 2018
Majestic!
May 10, 2025
In this unique fantasy, we follow young Persimmony Smudge who lives on an island ruled by a child king and is currently on a mission to replace a pot that she accidentally broke before her stern mother finds out. She also yearns to find adventure in her awfully dull life while wondering what happened to her adventurous father who strangely vanished. However, she’ll quickly get her wish when she and others will get tangled up with a shocking discovery about the island while the king believes there is gold beneath the island.
“Mount Majestic” is a very unique and packed fantasy adventure that has a lot to offer. There’s a very big cast of different characters that certainly bring a lot to the ever changing story with Persimmony slowly becoming the heroine while the king being pretty annoying but a bit likable at the end. I liked the story’s fantasy elements that felt a little fairytale-like while also its “unfortunate” feel that reminded me of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” with Hellquist’s amazing art included. While there can be too much to follow, Trafton’s book is a thrilling fantasy that shows life can be full of surprises, even impossible ones. B+ (83%/Very Good)
“Mount Majestic” is a very unique and packed fantasy adventure that has a lot to offer. There’s a very big cast of different characters that certainly bring a lot to the ever changing story with Persimmony slowly becoming the heroine while the king being pretty annoying but a bit likable at the end. I liked the story’s fantasy elements that felt a little fairytale-like while also its “unfortunate” feel that reminded me of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” with Hellquist’s amazing art included. While there can be too much to follow, Trafton’s book is a thrilling fantasy that shows life can be full of surprises, even impossible ones. B+ (83%/Very Good)
April 17, 2024
A rollicking adventure full of creativity and fun!
This story of a girl desperate for excitement, a spoiled prince and a colourful cast of worriers and old hearts, had me grinning and even chuckling more than once!
It’s full of runaway trees, rumblebumps and a surplus of pepper, so you have to be ready to appreciate clever silliness. In some ways, it could be called simple and un-climatic, but if one looks a little closer, they can find surprisingly deep meaning. The ending was especially touching; love that last line!
I think this would make a brilliant family read aloud (maybe 8 plus?) where certain dramatic or intense lines can easily be skipped over at reader’s discretion for younger listeners.
I would love to see some more in the books written by Jennifer Trafton in the future!
This story of a girl desperate for excitement, a spoiled prince and a colourful cast of worriers and old hearts, had me grinning and even chuckling more than once!
It’s full of runaway trees, rumblebumps and a surplus of pepper, so you have to be ready to appreciate clever silliness. In some ways, it could be called simple and un-climatic, but if one looks a little closer, they can find surprisingly deep meaning. The ending was especially touching; love that last line!
I think this would make a brilliant family read aloud (maybe 8 plus?) where certain dramatic or intense lines can easily be skipped over at reader’s discretion for younger listeners.
I would love to see some more in the books written by Jennifer Trafton in the future!
May 24, 2019
This book was UN-BE-LEVE-A-BLE!
(I just had to write it like that to put my point across.)
I found this book hilarious and a bit profound at the same time (especially since this book was read aloud to me, which, in my humble opinion, made it ALL the better.)
Would recommend to anyone.
(I just had to write it like that to put my point across.)
I found this book hilarious and a bit profound at the same time (especially since this book was read aloud to me, which, in my humble opinion, made it ALL the better.)
Would recommend to anyone.
May 7, 2021
The loveliest! This might be our favorite read-aloud of the last two years. We borrowed a copy from the library, but it’s clear we need to get our own copy for multiple readings.
October 30, 2025
I loved every word of this whimsical fairytale and so did my kids. My daughter, who rarely enjoys read alouds, declared this her favorite book and asked to read it again as soon as we finished. This is likely to be my favorite book of the year.
December 23, 2025
A delightfully whimsical tale. Jennifer Trafton has a gift for writing light-hearted narrators. Highly enjoyable.
November 7, 2017
I read this to my three kids (10, 8, 6) upon my pastor's recommendation. This is one of the most whimsical and pleasurable stories I've read, and my kids thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot is pure imagination with a cherry on top.
Trafton's writing is whimsical and almost poetic. She wraps up the story remarkably well, tying together loose ends that almost seem to spin out of her control at first, but like any good writer, she has a plan that she's executed upon and brings it all together in a masterful weave of joy and transformation.
Highly recommended!
Trafton's writing is whimsical and almost poetic. She wraps up the story remarkably well, tying together loose ends that almost seem to spin out of her control at first, but like any good writer, she has a plan that she's executed upon and brings it all together in a masterful weave of joy and transformation.
Highly recommended!
March 16, 2020
This was great! Funny, quirky, and full of hope.
August 20, 2019
It was a really good book, but the ending fell a bit flat.
Read
March 28, 2025"She was angry, and afraid, and hungry, and wet. So she did the only thing she could do: She started to dance."
May 26, 2024
I have to say I was a little disappointed in the ending. It was a fun book club read though!
September 13, 2016
My kids and I LOVED this book! This is the kind of book you just don't want to see it come to an end! We want more! This author must write more!! My kids ages range from 15 to 9 and they all really enjoyed it. As soon as we finished, they each said they want to read it again on there own.
The author's use of descriptive words is outstanding. Her wonderful use of imagination turns into vivid pictures in your mind and the illistrations in this book are fabulous! A must read for any age!
The author's use of descriptive words is outstanding. Her wonderful use of imagination turns into vivid pictures in your mind and the illistrations in this book are fabulous! A must read for any age!
May 3, 2025
Read aloud 2025. This just didn't really do it for me. There were too many characters, which translates to shallow characters. It was just a tad too silly and odd for my taste. And the ending was very anti-climactic and made me a tad angry we had spent so much time reading this aloud. I would easily hand this over to my kids to read, it's a nice story, but not worth the precious read aloud time.
May 18, 2023
Nothing particularly wrong with this book, it just wasn't for me. It was just a smidgen too...weird? I don't know I can't put my finger on it. Generally a wrapped up happy ending although the dad isn't back by the end of the book, perhaps leaving it open for a sequel?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2017
This was a read aloud for mec and my daughter. We loved it. Clever, whimsical, full of adventure, and unforgettable characters. Captain Gidding being my favorite. This is sure to be a classic.
June 19, 2020
"Without a few mysteries and a few giants, life would be a very small thing, after all."
This was a fun fairy-tale-esque story that reminded me a lot of Roald Dahl with its crazy-impossible plot, the magic, the humor, and the lighthearted tone. Persimmony is a dauntless heroine — longing to be brave, to do something great, even though she's just a basketweaver's daughter. She's easily the smartest individual on the island. Most every character, from the king to the commoners, (except Theodore) is portrayed as a type of bumbler. This got a little old as the story progressed, but it served its literary purpose of juxtaposing large-mindedness with small-mindedness.
The big theme of the book is that life is big. If we open our mind to this bigness, we'll see it. The setting of the novel is The Island at the Center of Everything. That's its name. The islanders believe they are at the center of the universe, and everything revolves around them. They don't know (and don't care) if anything else is out there beyond their shores. The characters who recognize the bigness of life are those who are most selfless. The small-minded people are selfish — especially King Lucas the Loftier. He believes he's literally at the center of everything on the island. He misses out on much joy due to this belief. There are various groups on the island — townspeople, Leafeaters, Rumblebumps, etc. — and the more they keep to their own kind, and the more fearful and suspicious they are of outsiders, the more small-minded they become. Those who are willing to build bridges between different groups are those who demonstrate largeness of soul.
Spoiler: One element that was intriguing to me was that the island's foundation is a sleeping giant. He's literally sleeping below the island's crust, and he takes one long hibernation breath each day, which the islanders take to be the rising and falling of the tide. I wondered, What's that supposed to mean? After overthinking it, (always overthinking!) I interpret the giant as a magical sort of symbol — that underneath everything ordinary, there is something extraordinary. Below the surface, there's something huge that has the potential to change life as we know it. It puts our little lives in perspective — we are smaller than we think but also part of something big. The giant is simultaneously a threat and a wonder. The symbol took more cohesive form when I read this line near the end of the book, "Every breath means another day, and every day is only a breath." Very pretty in context of the novel's closing lines.
This was a fun fairy-tale-esque story that reminded me a lot of Roald Dahl with its crazy-impossible plot, the magic, the humor, and the lighthearted tone. Persimmony is a dauntless heroine — longing to be brave, to do something great, even though she's just a basketweaver's daughter. She's easily the smartest individual on the island. Most every character, from the king to the commoners, (except Theodore) is portrayed as a type of bumbler. This got a little old as the story progressed, but it served its literary purpose of juxtaposing large-mindedness with small-mindedness.
The big theme of the book is that life is big. If we open our mind to this bigness, we'll see it. The setting of the novel is The Island at the Center of Everything. That's its name. The islanders believe they are at the center of the universe, and everything revolves around them. They don't know (and don't care) if anything else is out there beyond their shores. The characters who recognize the bigness of life are those who are most selfless. The small-minded people are selfish — especially King Lucas the Loftier. He believes he's literally at the center of everything on the island. He misses out on much joy due to this belief. There are various groups on the island — townspeople, Leafeaters, Rumblebumps, etc. — and the more they keep to their own kind, and the more fearful and suspicious they are of outsiders, the more small-minded they become. Those who are willing to build bridges between different groups are those who demonstrate largeness of soul.
Spoiler: One element that was intriguing to me was that the island's foundation is a sleeping giant. He's literally sleeping below the island's crust, and he takes one long hibernation breath each day, which the islanders take to be the rising and falling of the tide. I wondered, What's that supposed to mean? After overthinking it, (always overthinking!) I interpret the giant as a magical sort of symbol — that underneath everything ordinary, there is something extraordinary. Below the surface, there's something huge that has the potential to change life as we know it. It puts our little lives in perspective — we are smaller than we think but also part of something big. The giant is simultaneously a threat and a wonder. The symbol took more cohesive form when I read this line near the end of the book, "Every breath means another day, and every day is only a breath." Very pretty in context of the novel's closing lines.
November 26, 2017
Another great middle-school book, compliments of a grandchild!
Ten-year-old Persimmony lives in the time of giants, castles and unusual creatures. However, even among such beings as Worvil the Worrier and King Lucas the Loftier, and with strange things like poison-tongued tortoises and an underground community of Leaf-Eaters who use absolutely perfect grammar, Persimmony herself is the character to remember from this book. She and a small group of other unlikely heroes must convince their village to solve a problem that will destroy them if they cannot. With an eccentric father who disappeared years ago on a quest and a sharp-tongued mother who criticizes easily, Persimmony definitely has a credibility problem with her neighbors.
There is a great deal of adventure on (and in) Mount Majestic. There is also lots of wonderful writing and witty humor from Jennifer Trafton. Even the chapter titles are clever, as well as many worthwhile life lessons and quotes to remember.
According to reviews, the book is popular as a read-aloud, both in classrooms and by parents (or grandparents : ) An advantage for children if they are able to see the book as it’s read to them is being able to appreciate its many beautiful and funny illustrations by Brett Helquist…and also to be able to see the pictures as they discuss the book and its drawings with their parent or teacher who's sharing it with them.
Again, I am grateful for my granddaughter’s recommendation so I can say, "Read this book!" to others.
Ten-year-old Persimmony lives in the time of giants, castles and unusual creatures. However, even among such beings as Worvil the Worrier and King Lucas the Loftier, and with strange things like poison-tongued tortoises and an underground community of Leaf-Eaters who use absolutely perfect grammar, Persimmony herself is the character to remember from this book. She and a small group of other unlikely heroes must convince their village to solve a problem that will destroy them if they cannot. With an eccentric father who disappeared years ago on a quest and a sharp-tongued mother who criticizes easily, Persimmony definitely has a credibility problem with her neighbors.
There is a great deal of adventure on (and in) Mount Majestic. There is also lots of wonderful writing and witty humor from Jennifer Trafton. Even the chapter titles are clever, as well as many worthwhile life lessons and quotes to remember.
According to reviews, the book is popular as a read-aloud, both in classrooms and by parents (or grandparents : ) An advantage for children if they are able to see the book as it’s read to them is being able to appreciate its many beautiful and funny illustrations by Brett Helquist…and also to be able to see the pictures as they discuss the book and its drawings with their parent or teacher who's sharing it with them.
Again, I am grateful for my granddaughter’s recommendation so I can say, "Read this book!" to others.
April 7, 2017
This is a delightful read aloud that was enjoyed by all of my kids ages 4-11, but especially the older three (6,9,11). When we were getting ready to read it together again, my oldest son said, "I love when books have random quirky humor mixed in with a great adventure!" This book does just that. Vivid descriptions of a fanciful land with bizarre creatures tell a story of overcoming fear and prejudices and holding on to hope. It really is a beautiful story. I'm sure we'll read it aloud again when the littler crew is older!
April 12, 2017
This is a fun adventure story in an adorable world featuring a non-annoying female hero. Persimmony dreams of glory and adventure but never becomes a bossy warrior like many female centric stories. She is very much a Pippi Longstockings. The story is well written, with wonderfully fun characters, names, places, and a giant. This is perfect for reading out loud or just enjoying off in a corner.
October 8, 2018
Read-aloud. The girls (9 & 7) gave this five stars. I gave it four. I thought it was very fun and clever.
"'Yes, if this island is all there is, and we are trapped here with a sleeping giant, we have little hope. But...What if there are things under our feet and things beyond the sea that we have never dreamed of?'"
"'Yes, if this island is all there is, and we are trapped here with a sleeping giant, we have little hope. But...What if there are things under our feet and things beyond the sea that we have never dreamed of?'"
September 27, 2024
Fantastic book! I found this at the local thrift store and it was well worth the buck-50 I paid for it and more. I don't know how to describe it, other than it fits in that magical category of children's books that have both depth and levity, and appeal to the universal human experience. There is absurdity, profundity, and much more in between. Highly, highly recommend.
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