Happy First PPBF of April, everyone!
I don’t know about you, but I am totally ready for spring! 🌸 🌷🌼 😊
I can’t wait to share today’s book with you (which does actually mention spring, although that is not why I picked it 😊
This book has been out for over a year, but I just got the chance to read it and I have to share it because it is so perfect in every way!
Title: Jump For Joy
Written By: Karen Gray Ruelle
Illustrated By: Hadley Hooper
Publisher: Astra Young Readers, January 23, 2024
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: yearning, seasons, friendship/love (pet), hope
text copyright Karen Gray Ruelle, 2024, illustration copyright Hadley Hooper, 2024, Astra Young Readers
Opening:
“Joy loved dogs.
She had loved dogs
for as long as she could remember.
Maybe even longer.
And for as long as she could remember –
and maybe longer –
Joy had wanted a dog.”
text copyright Karen Gray Ruelle, 2024, illustration copyright Hadley Hooper, 2024, Astra Young Readers
Brief Synopsis: [from the publisher] “For as long as she can remember, Joy has wanted a dog. It doesn’t matter what kind: big, little, spotted, curly. She wants one so fiercely, she makes dogs out of snow, seashells, or whatever’s at hand! However, none of the dogs Joy makes are quite what she yearns for. The seashell dog washes away, and the snow dog melts into a puddle. Little does Joy know that her perfect dog friend is just around the corner—wishing just as fiercely for a kid—and waiting to be discovered.”
text copyright Karen Gray Ruelle, 2024, illustration copyright Hadley Hooper, 2024, Astra Young Readers
Links To Resources: try making a dog (or a cat, or an iguana, or whatever pet you wish for!) out of leaves, acorns, flowers, sticks, pebbles, or anything else you find outdoors, or, use pompoms, cotton balls, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, or other craft items! Can you design the pet of your dreams?
text copyright Karen Gray Ruelle, 2024, illustration copyright Hadley Hooper, 2024, Astra Young Readers
Why I Like This Book: Oh, how I love this book! A girl who longs for a dog, and a dog who longs for a girl. The imaginative use of natural elements to create, and the clever names that go along with the creations. The kind of text that is deceptively simple and yet has a lovely read-aloud rhythm and evokes emotion throughout. And art that is sweet, cute, expressive, vintage, and changes from a very limited color palette while Joy and Jump are searching for each other to blooming in full color when they find each other. This book is lovely in every way, and a treat for young readers and older readers alike. I tested it out on my granddaughter (who is just shy of 3 yrs. old) and she said, “Again!” “Again!” “Again!” until my daughter told her it was time to get off our Face Time call and go to the grocery store 😊 Highly recommended!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
I love this book. I can’t wait to read it. The illustrations are beautiful and the storyline is delightful. Thank you for sharing it. It’s just what I needed today.♥️
I’m so glad you like it, Robin! I didn’t include either of the last spreads because I thought it would ruin the beautiful ending to show it without the whole book. You will love it!
I have requested it from my library. YAY!
🙂
Looks like a sweet book! I love that the dog is looking for a girl at the same time! #Heartstrings🐾❤️
I know, right, Kim?! They are both so cute and so earnest!
How engaging, original, and charming! Thanks for highlighting this one!
It’s one of those treasures you just luckily stumble across, Robin! I’m so glad I found it!
I love how simple this book is and how it totally works. The pictures are fascinating. The story line is interesting. I love it.
It is so deceptively simple, Lori. A perfect book for writers to study because it does everything right!
I’m definitely going to read this! The illustrations are delightful.
Aren’t they wonderful, Sue? And the story is SO sweet!
This is so beautiful! I missed this one. Thanks for the heads up, Susanna! And good news, the San Francisco Public Library as 27 copies in circulation. Yay!
I missed it, too, until last weekend, Jilanne! I’m glad we both found it! And how great that San Fran PL has so many copies!
This book looks adorable! Thank you for reviewing it!
My pleasure, Kathy! When I find a book I love, my favorite thing is to share it with others!
Looking forward to reading this PB! It sounds heartwarming! 💕🐶
I love this dual character journey! Can’t wait to read!
That cover! Will be checking it out – thanks, Susanna!
Lovely story and illustrations!
My life has included many pets and this book speaks LOUDLY! I’m looking forward to reading and appreciating the awesome text and illustrations. Congratulations Karen and Hadley!