Jumpy Jack is a snail with buck teeth and a paralyzing fear of monsters. His friend Googily is a round, blue creature with sharp teeth, wild eyebrows, tentacle-like fingers, a bowler hat, and a kind heart. The interplay between the two creates a wonderfully safe space for children to explore their fears. The text employs a formal elevated tone that gently chides Jumpy Jack’s childish fears, adding an element of dry humor. The illustrations are filled with whimsical details, from Googily’s dapper wardrobe to the characters’ matching dolls. The calm, slightly muted palette, along with the friendly expressiveness of the protagonists’ faces, sends the subtle message that there is truly nothing here to fear. Starred Review
—School Library Journal
Mistaken monsters is a picture-book subgenre all its own, but the considerable talents of Rosoff and Blackall elevate this from the rest. Cavorting on creamy-colored backgrounds, the fang-toothed, blue-skinned Googily and timid Jumpy Jack milk all the deadpan humor out of the situation. Young ones will adore getting the joke and perceiving themselves smarter than the protagonists.
—Booklist
Dear Meg,
OMG your Jumpy Jack and Googily are BRILLIANT. I’m convinced you’ve based Jack off of my five year old daughter Ella and Googily after me. I’m always assuring her that things will be just fine…she’s made strides this summer (putting our head under the water and taking gymnastics) :0). Nevertheless I can’t help but chuckle…we as Mothers have our things we’re scared of too. Thanks…you are an inspiration!
Sincerely,
Jenefer Coombs
Thanks so much, Jenefer. I’m really pleased you and Ella liked it! Most of my career energy goes into the novels, but I’m always a little disappointed that Jumpy Jack hasn’t had more fans, so YAY! So glad it hit home (it’s kind of like that at our house too!)
xmeg