Just Be Jelly by Maddie Frost

Abstract

Reviewed by: Just Be Jelly by Maddie Frost Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor Frost, Maddie Just Be Jelly; written and illus. by Maddie Frost. Little, 2021 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780316523288 $17.99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad 4-7 yrs Our narrating sardine diligently follows the 19, 000 rules of sardine safety, the first of which is to stick with the school at all times. Unfortunately, as the little fish is detailing the various threats in the ocean, they distractedly wander into the yawning mouth of a manta ray, which quickly and helpfully burps the sardine out. The silvery swimmer can’t find their buddies, though, and goes into full panic mode, fleeing from supposed danger to danger until they encounter a jellyfish, who advises the stressed-out dude to just chill and go with the flow. The suspicious sardine is having none of that and swims off, but when they’re surrounded by perceived predators and their attempts to ward them off fail, it turns out relaxing is the way to go. The logic of the book completely falls apart when the sardine finally does find their “jelly vibes, ” since it’s unlikely that nearly falling asleep is going to do them much good in the face of actual predators. Fortunately, the angler fish, eel, and squid here must not be terribly hungry, and viewers willing to overlook the flawed logic will find a charming marine tale of anxieties eased and fish friends made. The mixed-media art gains depth with varying textures, from the mottled seaweed and coral to the slickness of the jellyfish, but the colors occasionally tip into the garish. However, the jellyfish’s jelly moves could certainly get a storytime going for fans of Nemo and Dory or spark a discussion with youngsters about dealing with worries. [End Page 379] Copyright © 2021 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois