Sara Acton, Jack’s Jumper, Walker Books, July 2022, 32 pp., RRP $25.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760654054
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.
Written for 2-6 year olds, Jack’s Jumper sits on the more complex end of early childhood category, offering multiple interconnected storylines and relationships between the characters. The illustrations capture the journey of the unravelling jumper and the interest of Jack’s daytime feline companion through multiple vignettes of activity. In places, the artwork is so rich the need for the accompanying text almost feels redundant, and might have strengthened the primary storyline with their removal.
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.
Reviewed by Kayt Duncan
