William's Steig's Abel's Island tells the story of a mouse who gets swept away from his beloved wife — a truly timeless classic about life's simple pleasures. Abel's place in his familiar, mouse world has always been secure; he had an allowance from his mother, a comfortable home, and a lovely wife, Amanda. But one stormy August day, furious flood water carry him off and dump him on an uninhabited island. Despite his determination and stubborn resourcefulness--he tried crossing the river with boats and ropes and even on stepping-stones--Abel can't find a way to get back home. Days, then weeks and months, pass. Slowly, his soft habits disappear as he forages for food, fashions a warm nest in a hollow log, models clay statues of his family for company, and continues to brood on the problem of how to get across the river--and home. Abel's time on the island brings him a new understanding of the world he's separated from. Faced with the daily adventure of survival in his solitary, somewhat hostile domain, he is moved to reexamine the easy way of life he had always accepted and discovers skills and talents in himself that hold promise of a more meaningful life, if and when he should finally return to Mossville and his dear Amanda again. Abel's Island is a 1976 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, and a 1977 Newbery Honor Book. It was adapted to a short animated film directed by Michael Sporn in 1988.

Caldecott Medal-winning author/illustrator William Steig's classic children's book, Farmer Palmer's Wagon Ride is "a joyous slapstick farce with a breezy text that rushes headlong...from one hilarious misadventure to another" ( The Horn Book ). An ALA Notable Children's Book Farmer Palmer, a pig, and his hired hand Ebenezer, a donkey, have a fine morning selling their leeks, turnips, and lettuce at the market. By noon they're on their way home with a new straw hat for Ebenezer and gifts for the whole Palmer family. But before long, harum-scarum gusts of wind sweep through, setting off a "comically hapless journey" ( Booklist , starred review).

William Steig's Spinky Sulks is a 1988 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year. Spinky is convinced that his family hates him and goes off to sulk in his hammock. His brother and sister try to make amends. His mom even brings him a beautiful tray of food. But nothing can get Spinky to stop sulking—not even a circus passing by on his street! Will Spinky ever cheer up? Spinky Sulks is another delightful tale from the incomparable William Steig that will leave readers of all ages smiling.