Review - Jumping Jack

Jumping Jack
by Germano Zullo
illustrated by Albertine
Date: 2013
Publisher: Chronicle Books (CA)
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

From award-winning Swiss author-illustrator team Germano Zullo and Albertine comes this unforgettable tale of Jumping Jack, a champion show-jumping horse whose partnership with his rider has earned him international fame. Victory is expected when Jumping Jack is on the course! Unfortunately, Jumping Jack's success has mysteriously stalled. He tumbles and struggles. What could possibly be wrong? Jumping Jack's loyal rider is determined to find out! What the duo discover will charm readers, not to mention reaffirm their faith in second chances, the power of friendship, and the potential for triumph despite stumbling blocks. A true winner!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

What a funny little book! The anthropomorphized horse is clearly the star here. Whether he's on the psychiatrist's couch or in an MRI machine, he's always pretty amusing.

Basically, what happens here is that champion show-jumper Jumping Jack suddenly can't jump like he used to. His friend and partner, Roger Trotter, takes him to the vet and the psychologist, but nothing seems to help. It isn't until there's a very fortuitous accident out on the jumping course that Roger and Jack finally figure out what the problem is (and how to fix it). Soon, the team are back to their winning ways.

The pictures are pretty silly, but I kind of like them. There's something about the absurdity of the horse acting (even sitting) like a human that's pretty entertaining.

Of course, if you're against the ideas of horses being used for things like show jumping and racing, you might not like this book so much. Those issues aren't really addressed; instead, this is a lighthearted story about a couple of friends who need to solve a problem. As such, I quite enjoyed it.

Quotable moment:

"Surely, two weeks' vacation will return Jumping Jack to his old self!" thought Roger Trotter. Even better, two weeks in the sun would make Jack's coat sparkle and his mane silky.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5