Sara Acton is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 20 books for children. She lives on the Central Coast of NSW with one husband, two children, a mischievous dog and a cat called Poppy, who’s definitely in charge.
This book is beautifully gentle and evocative story captures the
joyful brotherly connection, even when there is a rather large age
gap. The cheekiness of cats, and the creativity of people to come
up with solutions that will make something new and just as magical,
that will reinforce the brotherly connection that Jack and Patrick
have. This delightful book captured my imagination and is one of
those comforting reads that reassures us that there is often a
solution when things don’t go our way, or when they break. It’s a
touching story that can help settle anxiety in people of all ages –
it made me feel calmer about things whilst reading it. It is also a
great book to help build reading confidence in early readers, or to
read as a family. It makes it perfect for all ages, and has the
feeling of a future classic. The words and illustrations work
perfectly together, and come to life, dancing off the page.
*The Book Muse*
Each lovely illustration shows Jack and the blue jumper, its warmth
and comfort obvious to all readers… The images of the little boy
patiently waiting for his brother are so evocative, they took my
breath away.
*Read Plus*
Universal themes are carefully threaded through the text, from
overcoming anxiety to the power of the imagination, while simple
word choices stitch in reassuring moments of familiarity.
*Buzz Word Books*
Jack’s Jumper?is like a mug of hot chocolate, coupled with a cosy
cushion on a wintry day; it?warm’s the heart. Sara’s depiction of
Jack and his treasured jumper is as homely as it is rich and
expressive. This story about a boy who uses his favourite jumper, a
hand-me-down from his older brother, to fill the void that is left
in his brother’s absence is akin to Bob Graham’s 2008 classic The
Red Woollen Blanket that?unravels over time to eventual?loss at the
blades of a mower. Exploring themes of make-believe, separation,
patience and change through the slow unravelling of a woollen
jumper that is so much more than an item of clothing, Sara builds a
narrative where contentment meets loss, which transforms into
endless possibilities… The changing relationship between the two
aging boys lies at the heart of this beautiful journey and could
have carried the story without the addition of the cat’s new hoard
to complicate the ending. The gift presented to Jack by his older
brother is a powerful and emotional highlight and is all that is
needed to affirm to the audience how change can bring joy, in a
different way. This is a lovely read-out-loud book with plenty of
places to rouse a listening audience, build drama and intrigue, and
open conversations with young growing minds about resilience and
tackling change. It is probably more aptly suited to children?in
kindergarten and upwards given its more sophisticated themes,
intertwining storylines and structure, which may confuse and
overcomplicate the primary narrative?for younger pre-kindy
audiences.
*Reading Time*
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