THE GIANT JUMPEREE by Julia Donalson and Helen Oxenbury. Penny Dolan

 

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November now, and over the first half of this term I have been helping with the Under-5’s Storytimes at my local library. As well as remembering the words of mid-numbing nursery songs and rhymes, and managing  shakers, instruments and the bubble machine, I've also ssearche dthrough the bookboxes for useful titles,

 

 One of my recent read-aloud favourites has been THE GIANT JUMPEREE, a picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

                                                            

The story uses a simple, folk-tale structure and an anonymous rural setting. Rabbit, returning to his burrow is scared by a loud voice chanting “I’m the GIANT JUMPEREE and I’m as scary as can be!” 

                                                             

When Rabbit asks Cat for help, Cat proudly explains that she will pounce on the mysterious creature.  Alas!

                                                         

So Cat, also terrified by the awful voice, seeks help from Bear.

 

                                                

And Bear, in turn, seeks help from Elephant. 

                                                          

Finally all the animals warn Mummy Frog about the dreadful Giant Jumperee. 

 When Mummy Frog, a wiser and stronger character, counts the creature out of the echoing burrow, she is in for a surprise . . .

                                                 

As her own Baby Frog appears, delighted with the game he’s played and how dreadful and huge his voice had sounded. 

                                                

The story ends with Mummy Frog walking Baby Frog home and all the other animals laughing and chuckling as they part.

Oddly, this book, created by two award winners, does not seem to appear on any 'important lists', yet Donaldson's skill as a scriptwriter and performer shows in the writing. The words and cadences have a delightful, easy-to-read-aloud quality which makes the story attractive to young children and there are several joining-in opportunities.

But, importantly, THE GIANT JUMPEREE is most beautifully illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, with every character showing a range of expressions and body reactions and making this simple tale a delight. 

I am looking forward to using this book again in Storytime soon. It was a GIANT success!

Penny Dolan