"What if you could jump five times your
body length? You could cross a whole
garden without a running start.
That is how Jumper jumps.
But she is not fast enough today."
Readers absolutely cannot help but be drawn into this remarkable book. The front endpaper beckons the first turn, when children see a tiny spider trailing silk from a nearby leaf and walking directly toward the page's edge. Turn to the title page and readers are welcomed to the Loma Linda Community Garden, lush and green in filtered sunlight and gladly greeting other visitors.
Size and perspective are immediately apparent as the seemingly small girl picks up a tiny bean. We are quickly made aware that this is the world Jumper inhabits. Readers are encouraged to imagine themselves in that world; in fact, as the spider itself.
"Imagine walking not just on the ground but on the
walls and ceiling, too. You wouldn't need to be afraid
of heights with your own built-in safety line."
Clear descriptions of Jumper's movements, the dangers faced, and the terror felt from that danger give children a real and appealing look at a day in the life of a gifted hunter, an accomplished jumper, and its enemy invaders. Always attuned to the senses, the author continues to encourage young readers to imagine life as Jumper lives it.
The absolutely stunning illustrations bring the garden to full life, while also showing its visitors and their actions while there. A young girl jumps from a fence to the ground at the same time we watch the spider make a long and successful jump in the garden. Then again, as the child walks away carrying a food basket Jumper spies a fly that will soon provide a needed meal.
Ink, watercolor, and gouache artwork attracts full attention at every turn. The gatefold adds further drama when it shows the world as Jumper sees it!
"If you close one eye, the world becomes flat.
Imagine if you had eight eyes instead of only two.
They you could see in every direction at once ... "
Backmatter offers facts on spider anatomy, life cycle, growth and danger. A glossary, an author's note, spider identification suggestions, and a list of resources are beneficial. A reminder that most spiders are harmless and help to balance the ecosystem offers advice.
PLEASE DON'T KILL THAT SPIDER!
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