Jump! By Julia Dweck & Brian Allen (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

September 2014, Sleepy Sheep Productions, 32 pages, Ebook, Review copy

Summary from Sleepy Sheep Productions

Jack’s little heart began to thump,
As he prepared to take a jump.
He swung around and then he flexed.
His thousandth jump was coming next.

Then tightening his coils, he sank,
And listened to the music crank.
He sprung out free, no longer trapped.
His rusty spring broke loose and SNAPPED!

What’s a Jack-in-the-box without his home? Poor Jack has never jumped out of anything before, but his worn out box. Can Barker, the neighborhood dog, prove to Jack that there are many more exciting jumps outside in the great, big world?

 

Nayu's thoughts

This is a charming tale about going for it with all you've got! The 'it' is life or a situation you find yourself in, like Jack, where you aren't quite sure what to do next. We often need someone else to give us a nudge and some encouragement to take that first leap into the unknown, as Jack finds out from the helpful dog. Although not my absolute favourite of Julia's books - jack in the boxes can be a bit creepy if you think about them -  this is a cute read, with the rhyming verse capturing the reader into the story and the cheerful illustrations which bring the tale to life. 

See more of Brian's work on his website. 

Suggested read

Another of Julia's books which I love is Crowned, illustrated by Beth Trott (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E) 

Such an adorable cover!