The Giant Jumperee by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

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The Giant Jumperee by Julia Donaldson and Helen Oxenbury is, like every picture book Donaldson writes, an absolute joy to read out loud. This is exactly the kind of book best read with a little listener on your lap, being bounced up and down with each and every exciting page turn.


Rabbit is hopping home one day when a booming voice comes out from his burrow saying, "I'm the GIANT JUMPEREE and I'm scary as can be!"




Each time, with each increasingly larger animal, the Giant Jumperee's threats get bigger and scarier. From, "I'll squash you like a flea," to "I'll sting you like a bee!" to, "I'm the GIANT JUMPEREE and you're terrified of me!" Oxenbury's pastoral illustrations and gentle watercolors perfectly present the animals, taking the edge off them. Their body language is tense at times and the suspense builds as the story unfolds and the fear of the animals builds. Oxenbury mitigates the tension with humor. But, up comes little Mama Frog isn't afraid. She marches up to that burrow and counts to three and . . . Out comes the Giant Jumperee! It's Baby Frog! 

This book is absolutely beautiful and would make the perfect gift for a first birthday or a baby shower or for a brand new grandparent! Don't let this gem pass you by.

Source: Review Copy

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