Review: Read children’s book ‘Giant Jumperee’ with glee

One of the lovely things about children’s books are the illustrations. When an author and illustrator team up with a good story and pictures, that’s a book you want to read. Not just kids, but adults, too. And so it is with “The Giant Jumperee,” a new book that is a great choice for children’s summer reading.

“The Giant Jumperee” (Dial/Penguin Young Readers, $17.99, hardcover) is by best-selling children’s author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Helen Oxenbury. Donaldson is also the author of “The Gruffalo” and “Room on the Broom.” Oxenbury’s work includes “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.” Both author and illustrator live in England.

The Giant Jumperee is what a voice from Rabbit’s burrow declares itself, scaring off other animals except for Mama Frog. It’s a cute, funny story that little kids will enjoy reading and looking at how Oxenbury depicts the outdoor scene visually.

“The Giant Jumperee” could easily make a regular appearance of bedtime story requests.

For a nice summer story to give as a gift or buy for your own child, “The Giant Jumperee” is worthy of a permanent spot on the bookshelf.

This story was originally published June 8, 2017 at 8:30 AM with the headline "Review: Read children’s book ‘Giant Jumperee’ with glee."