Caroline Adderson, author
Ben Clanton, illustrator
Kids Can Press, 2013
When I reviewed the first Jasper John Dooley book, I compared him to Junie B. Jones (Jasper John Dooley is my kind of character; Junie B.? not so much). And since I like little Jasper John so much, I was delighted to get to read an ARC of the second.
Now, I must confess....that second book has now been out long enough now to be IN MY LIBRARY. Shame on me for "sitting" on this review for so long. But there it is. Life sometimes intervenes. Best laid plans and all...
So, without further ado, let's revisit Jasper John. In this charming second book--which I might like even better than the first!--Jasper is bidding his grandmother farewell as she leaves for a cruise. He usually spends one afternoon a week with his grandmother. Jasper's character is spot on for a first grade boy. I love the things he does while she's gone--things that make perfect sense to a six-year-old. For instance, he catches rain water and air in different little cups so he can share them with his Nan when she returns. He feels deflated when she's gone, and the descriptions of his emotions are pitch perfect for 1st and 2nd graders. They will relate.
This book makes a great read aloud to K-2nd graders and also a PERFECT early chapter book if kids in that age group can read. We have too few solid books about boys in this category. If you need a good summer reading choice for those hot days coming in July, check out little Jasper John Dooley!
Book in ARC form from publisher and via netgalley; cover image from goodreads
