Shaky Quaky Jake

by Kelly D. Roberts, Jveria Gauhar (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books

44 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had 40 years in education and I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Essential Tremors. I appreciated being educated about the condition through the eyes of an elementary school student with the condition. Kelly D. Roberts shares her first-hand knowledge in this story about Shaky Quaky Jake. The story may help some children to understand that they are not alone with Essential Tremors. It may also help children understand the uncontrolled movements of a classmate with the condition.
Jveria Gauhar’s illustrations complement the text well. They give readers/listeners a bit of a visual idea of what it might be like to live with Essential Tremors. I appreciated that there are a diversity of children (and adults) represented in the illustrations.
Shaky Quaky Jake is appropriate for the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library. It could be used in any of the elementary grades.
I received a complimentary copy of Shaky Quaky Jake. This is my honest review.

[Vivian Kirkfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Providing diverse books means more than just finding stories with characters who are from different cultures and ethnicities. We need to write books about people who struggle with all types of challenges, including physical ones like Essential Tremor. Author Roberts weaves a wonderful story about a young boy and how he finds the courage to express himself and participate in school activities even though his hands and body shake. A vivid palette created by illustrator Jver8a Gauhar engages young readers and invites them to keep turning the pages.
Highly recommend this book for school libraries and home bookshelves.

[Shirley Kamada · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHAKY QUAKY JAKE is an important book. I had never considered the impact of Essential Tremors on a youngster’s life, in fact, believing incorrectly that ET was exclusively related to advanced age. This book can serve as an introduction to readers of all ages. Share it with a child. For your own understanding, make use of the additional resources suggested at the back of the book. Readers will appreciate the well-written, engaging text and how skillfully it interfaces with the winsome illustrations.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of empowerment for a child who has Essential Tremor, or for anyone who feels like something about them makes school, friendship, or tasks difficult. I love how the grandmother shows Jake that despite his hard days, he's one of a kind! And then Jake himself shows everyone in his class a one of a kind creation that proves it. This one will warm your heart and has terrific backmatter on how to approach others with respect.