Mockingbird in Mark Twain's Hat

by Kaia Alexander, K. Hollan Van Zandt

Mockingbird in Mark Twain’s Hat, is an adventure story full of animals that talk. Wynne is a precocious mockingbird born in the rural south in the late 1800s. His whole family are singers, but at four days old, he wants to be a novelist just like his hero, Mark Twain. When crows attack his nest, he’s swept away on an epic adventure along the Mississippi River. Wynne learns to read and write, makes new friends in surprising places, and is mentored by Mark Twain himself. Full of delightful quotes from Mark Twain, this novel for children ages 8-12 shines with important lessons of character, perseverance, love, and the importance of friendship.

141 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2020

About the author

Kaia Alexander is also published under link: K. Hollan Van Zandt.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like if you are a true reader, you have to be a fan of Mark Twain. I know I am. Therefore, when I got the chance to read this book I jumped at the opportunity. After reading this book, I can tell you that is is a recommended five star read from me. In fact, I knew it just from the first several chapters I read and it was confirmed by the end of the story.

Wynne is the main character in this story. He is the perfect character. So likable and engaging. Although, there are many other intriguing characters that Wynne encounters all the way in his grand adventure. This includes his idol in the flesh, Mark Twain!

I had such a fun time reading this book. That is when you know a book is really great is when you use the word "fun" to describe it. Readers of all ages will enjoy this book.

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Kaia Alexander’s writing from reading her amazing historical fiction novel, ‘Written in the Ashes’. It was written under her name K. Hollan Van Zandt.

II was intrigued when I saw the title of her new book, ‘Mockingbird in Mark Twain’s Hat.’ I am a Mark Twain fan and I thought it would be great to introduce younger children to him. I didn’t read any of his works or learn about him until Jr. High School.

Kaia Alexander brings Mark Twain to life in a story about a young mockingbird, Wynne, who wants to be a writer but must first learn to fly. One day some crows attack and he falls out of the nest. This sets him on adventure far from home. As he tries to get back home, he meets new animal friends along the way. He also encounters danger. Eventually, he even meets his hero, Mark Twain himself.

‘Mockingbird in Mark Twain’s Hat’ is a delightful and beautifully rendered story with glorious black and white illustrations. It introduces children to the era of Twain and post slavery America. At the same time entertains with Wynne’s adventures and thirst for learning.

Buy this book for your children but be sure to read it yourself. It is sure to become a timeless classic for children and adults. I hope this isn’t the last we hear from Wynne, his family, and friends. I give it all 5 stars!

[M.M. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved a good Mark Twain story and thought this book to be interesting. This book is not about Mark Twain but does have quotes throughout that he said himself. In fact, this book is about a bird, a mocking bird to be exact, who wants nothing to do with singing or flying or anything a mockingbird actually does.

The story is told in first person via Wynne. His accidental adventure leads him to characters like an old beaver and others whom all his life he was told to avoid. Friendships are made throughout the book and things once thought are found to be untrue. Eventually, Mark Twain does show up in the book and finds out this mocking bird doesn't sing but writes! Wow!

***There is some cautionary tales here. One is the use of slavery since the book is set in the 1800's southern states on the Mississippi River. For some adult readers, this may put the reader off but it is meant to show the life in that era and that slavery was wrong. Even little Wynne notices this and is friends with a man by the name of Robert who takes care of him. It adds to the story and makes the reader clearly understand the message.

I won't reveal much more as it would ruin the book for you, my dear readers. I will say though, it was obvious to me that not only was Mark Twain a hero for Wynne but for the author herself. Let's just say, "Wynne" did a fine job writing his own story for the author. *wink*

Cute story and a great read for 8-12 year old's. This book is getting a 5 star chirp from me!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Mockingbird in Mark Twain's Hat,' by Kaia Alexander is the perfect book for young readers. Filled with adventure, interesting characters and information that is delivered in a fun way, this children's book is an unforgettable trip along the Mississippi River.

The main character, Wynne is a little mockingbird with big dreams. Rather than just sing his songs like the other mockingbirds, Wynne wants to be a writer like his hero Mark Twain. Although his siblings tease him, Wynne holds onto his dream.

Danger soon intrudes into his small world in the form of flocks of crows that begin attacking his family's nest to try to get at the baby mockingbirds. Wynne ends up being knocked out of the nest and onto the ground where he is attacked by a large gray cat that roams the nationhood. Terrified, Wynne tries to defend himself, only to be saved by a little girl on her way home from school.
Not knowing where Wynne's nest is, the little girl brings him to her home where she decides to keep him as a pet. Initially, Wynne is happy to be going on an adventure, but soon he grows lonely and longs for his family.

One day, the girl brings him on a train to the county fair, where the jostling of the crowd manages to bump his cage enough to open the door and free him. But, unable to find his way back to his nest, Wynne ends up getting the adventure that he wished for and he must go on a journey along the Mississippi river where he meets many interesting characters, including Mark Twain himself.
This story was a delight to read and although it is a children's book, I think all ages would get a kick out of it. I certainly did.

[Bookgirl86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating how to fly and sing beautiful songs can be hard work for a newborn mockingbird, a fact that is certainly true for the protagonist of 'Mockingbird In Mark Twain's Hat,' by Kaia Alexander. Although Wynne was only born a few days ago, he already has big dreams of becoming an author just like his hero, the writer Mark Twain.
Set in 1898, this story is one of adventure, independence, friendship and kindness that is ideal for readers of any and all ages but written for children.
Wynne wants to see the world outside of his family's small nest, but he gets introduced to it in a way that he could never have predicted, one day when he is knocked out by a mean flock of crows and almost killed by a rough gray cat.
Luckily, Wynne is saved by a little girl on her way home from school. However, unaware that his family's nest waits above, the girl takes Wynne home and asks her mother if she can keep him as a pet.
Wynne begins to see more of the world than he'd ever hoped and this is only made even more true when he manages to escape the cage that the little girl put him in after she takes him on a train to the county fair. Soon Wynne is soaring over the Mississippi river, making friends with strange and fascinating animals and even befriending Mark Twain, himself.
Full of great lessons for young readers, 'Mockingbird In Mark Twain's Hat' is a spellbinding tale about living your dreams, finding your home and appreciating your family. This is a story that begs to be read aloud, to be talked over and discussed by readers. Kaia Alexander has created magic in the form of a story here and I would recommend picking it up as soon as possible!

[Donna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has always loved the adventurous tales of Mark Twain, I couldn't wait to read this story of a little mockingbird who wants to emulate his hero and become a little bird of letters rather than flight. But as this story proceeds, little Wynne not only learns to fly physically, he also learns to fly metaphorically. As he is catapulted from one adventure and crisis to another, he learns so much about the world around him, the people and animals he meets, and his place in it.

I was totally captivated by this little bird's memoir, which has the look and feel of an instant classic. I was as enthralled and excited as if I had discovered a heretofore undiscovered novel by Mark Twain himself. In fact, the adventures of Wynne were so true to Twain's canon that I actually did a search to see if he really had written about a mockingbird or if there was mention of one being in his hat during a speech.

Beautifully illustrated throughout, this little gem of a book needs to be read and re-read by children, parents and grandparents alike. And we definitely need more stories from the pen of this remarkable little mockingbird.

***I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mockingbird in Mark Tain's Hat was such a fun read for me. Wynne knows from the time he is four days old that he wants to be a writer. He has no interest in learning the songs of the woods he lives in. He does like the tunes he hears the girl that passes under his tree singing and whistling but is told that mockingbirds do no mock humans because they are horrible creatures. He is also told to stay away from other animals like skunks and beavers.

When crows attack his tree and he gets carried away by yet another predator, the young girl ends up saving him and taking him home with her. He gets to go to school with her and learns all sorts of things that can help him with his dream of becoming a writer. This is where his journey begins, but there is so much more he experiences and learns along the way.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that enjoys fun characters, adventure, and growth in their tales. It is a pretty quick read but packs a lot into its 138 pages.

Disclaimer: I did receive this book free or at a discounted rate in order to read it and give my opinions on it. I was not required to leave a positive review. As usual, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mockingbird in Mark Twain’s Hat, is an adventure story full of animals that talk. Wynne is a precocious mockingbird born in the rural south in the late 1800s. His whole family are singers, but at four days old, he wants to be a novelist just like his hero, Mark Twain. When crows attack his nest, he’s swept away on an epic adventure along the Mississippi River. Wynne learns to read and write, makes new friends in surprising places, and is mentored by Mark Twain himself. Full of delightful quotes from Mark Twain, this novel for children ages 8-12 shines with important lessons of character, perseverance, love, and the importance of friendship.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a darling book this was! Kaia Alexander has crafted a lovely tale about growing up and growing into yourself, despite what those around you tell you is or isn't possible... Through the story of a mockingbird who wants to be a writer, and who finds himself far afield from his sheltered childhood on the path to doing so, she presents life lessons, wit and wisdom - as well as more than a little adventure and villainy, and the eponymous Great Author himself! The illustrations add a lovely dimension to the story, which is appropriate for children young and old. I'm a long-time fan of clever and unique children's books, and am happy to add this to my collection.

Thank you to the author for my obligation-free review copy of this delightful story!