Jumper by Jessica Lanan

Abstract

Reviewed by: Jumper by Jessica Lanan Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Lanan, Jessica Jumper; written and illus. by Jessica Lanan. Roaring Brook, 2023 [48p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781250810366 $19.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs An intriguing invitation opens this spider-centered picture book, asking readers to imagine what the world would be like if they were “Smaller than a cat or a dog, a bar of soap, or a bottle cap. As small as a bean.” That world is Jumper’s world, and direct address then walks viewers through the spider’s busy day, from hunting to hiding to eating and, of course, jumping. The text is simple but cinematic, anchoring the exercise in relatable reference points: “What if you could jump five times your body length? You could cross a whole garden without a running start.” Illustrations cleverly echo this parallel, foregrounding Jumper’s experience against a young child’s play in a community garden; as Jumper leaps from leaf to leaf, viewers see the girl jump off fences, and as the girl collects the garden’s bounty, Jumper snags a meal from the sky. Dynamic art in ink, watercolor, and gouache matches the subject’s energy, though the natural palette occasionally muddles some of the arachnid’s movement. Shifts in perspective make this satisfyingly dramatic, as viewers get the occasional spider’s-eye view of Jumper’s world as well as scenes fully focused on the spider’s activity; the close-up on Jumper munching on a fly will prompt looks of wonder and/or disgust. Additional information on spider anatomy and biology is included in the backmatter, along with further resources, a glossary, and a plea to not kill spiders that emphasizes most of the eight-legged creepy crawlies are harmless. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois