On My Mountain

An exercise in perspective, On My Mountain presents two stories—that of the wolf and that of the shepherd—using the exact same words but different illustrations to demonstrate each mountain-dweller’s point of view. Both live on the mountain, cherish it as their home, and see the beauty and the danger (each other) that exist there. Both also concur that “it is big enough to fit everyone who loves it.” The illustrations teeter on juvenile but still feel fitting in the rugged setting of the mountain and its rough but delicate balance. They are the primary storytellers, portraying the wolf hunting for rabbits, growling at bees and caring for cubs, while the shepherd tends the sheep, does chores and plays with his family. While the wolf is definitely scarier than the shepherd, biasing things in an expected way, On My Mountain provides a welcome opportunity to take a moment and think about things from another’s viewpoint. This book’s true genius lies in the potential it offers as a catalyst for impactful, follow-up discussions with young readers.