Jumping Mouse

Volume One - Out Now!

Part myth and part memoir, Jumping Mouse is a hauntingly illustrated graphic tale depicting the journey of how letting go into our deepest fears can set us free.

Based on the author’s true story of how she faced a series of events that burned her life to the ground through serious illness and loss, and took her on a mysterious adventure of awakening as she found herself becoming a ‘modern day monk’ in the mountains of Spain.

This book is for anyone who has faced challenge in their life and feels a calling to travel on a road less travelled. It’s a story of courage and reconnecting to the joy and wonder of being alive; no matter what our circumstances.

The first volume of this graphic memoir-in-progress is out now and was longlisted for the 2021 LDComics awards.

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Praise for Jumping Mouse:

"This is beautifully illustrated. The visual metaphor, the quieter moments where an image says far more than words ever could, the symbolism and the subtle but expressive physical characterisation. I look forward to seeing more of this!"

- Andy Oliver, Broken Frontier

Jumping Mouse was recently chosen as one of six artists to be spotlighted by Broken Frontier as part of Small Press Day 2021 and it was also selected for the long list at the 2021 LDComics awards.

Artwork from Jumping Mouse was also recently awarded a prize at a fine art exhibition held at the Hodgson Loom Gallery, Isle of Man.

“I love Jumping Mouse. It drew me in immediately, partly because of the stunning artwork and partly because it’s a personal story, simply yet beautifully told, that I strongly relate to – and I’m sure many others will too. Even though this part of the work tells of an intensely difficult time, the overriding feelings that have stayed with me are love and connection, which makes the world of Jumping Mouse a place I don’t want to leave. I cannot wait for more.”

- Janet Lees, Poet & Artist

Jumping Mouse is filled with detailed, symbolic and haunting black and white illustrations. Every panel a piece of art in its own right, with visual metaphors and layers within layers on every page.

About the author:

Ali Hodgson (AKA the Cartooning Monk) is an award-winning graphic artist, graduate of The Royal College of Art and modern day monk. She is on a mission to make the world a better place though visual storytelling, and has a particular interest in communicating complex social, psychological or environmental issues.

“Once upon a time, there was nothing.
Just still, silent space.”
- Jumping Mouse

What is Jumping Mouse?

Jumping Mouse is a graphic memoir-in-progress, created by the award wining graphic artist Ali Hodgson, AKA The Cartooning Monk.

The book is an adventure in three parts, with the first volume of part one currently self-published by the author.

The story is based on the authors' real life experiences, woven together with the myth of Jumping Mouse to create a mystical tale of spiritual awakening.

Challenge is real. It's universal and it's part of being human. This book is a guide and reminder that no matter what our circumstances, there is hope. Happiness is an inside job and a little bit of courage can take us beyond our wildest dreams.