What do you think?
Jackson Jones #1
The Tale of a Boy, an Elf, and a Very Stinky Fish
Sometimes you have to get lost to figure out where you're going. All Jackson wants is to be the hero, just for once in his life. The hero who steps in at the last minute to save the universe. The hero who saves the entire village from a raging fire. Great Aunt Harriett is always telling him find his own story, but so far his story doesn't seem very exciting. Until he falls into Great Aunt Harriett's hair, that is. There Jackson will encounter a world of elves, trap doors, bubblegum-blowing birds, hairy-backed spiders, kangaroo meat, and perilous danger which requires ... a hero.
269 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 16, 2010
When the publisher contacted me and offered me a review copy of Jackson Jones, I was curious. I can't remember working with Zondervan in the past, and I haven't reviewed very much christian fiction, as I've found it to be a wasteland with very few gems, and I prefer to read books I'll enjoy. However, I'd been spending time purging books in the school library and had been wondering how the genre of children's christian literature had changed since my childhood, and I am predisposed to liking fantasy with slightly nerdy protagonists, so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, the book only served to reinforce my frustrations.
Stylistically, this book is distinguished by it's peculiar narrator. As a literary device, an intrusive narrator who addresses readers directly can be a boost to some novels, when used sparingly and with great judiciousness, e.g. the famous line from Jane Eyre, "Reader, I married him." In Jackson Jones, the narrator addresses the reader incessantly. She informs the reader that she is going to take a bathroom break and suggests he do the same, as holding your bladder for a long time is unhealthy. Suspense is attempted by inserting an extra chapter that says "I'm so mean." Large words are used, and then parenthetically defined with examples and commentary.
As a parent, a former teacher, a lover of children and literature for children, I find myself firmly in the camp that believes that children respond best to literature that treats readers with dignity and respect. C.S. Lewis famously wrote in an essay about writing for children "We must meet children as equals in that area of our nature where we are their equals... The child as reader is neither to be patronized nor idolized: we talk to him as man to man." I rarely felt like the narrator could be connecting with eight to eleven-year-old children.
That lack of connection was disappointing, because the story itself was interesting in many ways. The characters, setting, and back story all had good potential. But like most of the christian literature I've encountered, the christian elements were rather heavy handed.
Theologically, I found the message mixed. The idea that God is the author of all of our stories and that he is weaving them all together into one great story is one that I not only believe, but share with my children. However, the book falls into the common western evangelical error that the things we think are most important in our lives (job, where we live, etc.) are most important to God. We can chose the wrong thing, and thus find ourselves wandering away from the story God has for us. In reality, I think the Bible consistently shows that God's story for us has less to do with whether we are concert pianists or businessmen and much more to do with how we live our lives. Do we love our neighbors well? Are we taking care of those in need? Do our lives reflect the values we say we believe? How has the gospel changed us?
There are some great meditations about our identity in Christ in this book. But the idea that we can make a mistake about where we go to college or what career to pursue creates a culture of paralyzing fear that we will miss God's will for our lives that is very real to 21st century North Americans and this may fuel that fire.
In the end, Jackson Jones is a fun story, and I don't think it's dangerous or absolute twaddle. I just hoped for something better.
Stylistically, this book is distinguished by it's peculiar narrator. As a literary device, an intrusive narrator who addresses readers directly can be a boost to some novels, when used sparingly and with great judiciousness, e.g. the famous line from Jane Eyre, "Reader, I married him." In Jackson Jones, the narrator addresses the reader incessantly. She informs the reader that she is going to take a bathroom break and suggests he do the same, as holding your bladder for a long time is unhealthy. Suspense is attempted by inserting an extra chapter that says "I'm so mean." Large words are used, and then parenthetically defined with examples and commentary.
As a parent, a former teacher, a lover of children and literature for children, I find myself firmly in the camp that believes that children respond best to literature that treats readers with dignity and respect. C.S. Lewis famously wrote in an essay about writing for children "We must meet children as equals in that area of our nature where we are their equals... The child as reader is neither to be patronized nor idolized: we talk to him as man to man." I rarely felt like the narrator could be connecting with eight to eleven-year-old children.
That lack of connection was disappointing, because the story itself was interesting in many ways. The characters, setting, and back story all had good potential. But like most of the christian literature I've encountered, the christian elements were rather heavy handed.
Theologically, I found the message mixed. The idea that God is the author of all of our stories and that he is weaving them all together into one great story is one that I not only believe, but share with my children. However, the book falls into the common western evangelical error that the things we think are most important in our lives (job, where we live, etc.) are most important to God. We can chose the wrong thing, and thus find ourselves wandering away from the story God has for us. In reality, I think the Bible consistently shows that God's story for us has less to do with whether we are concert pianists or businessmen and much more to do with how we live our lives. Do we love our neighbors well? Are we taking care of those in need? Do our lives reflect the values we say we believe? How has the gospel changed us?
There are some great meditations about our identity in Christ in this book. But the idea that we can make a mistake about where we go to college or what career to pursue creates a culture of paralyzing fear that we will miss God's will for our lives that is very real to 21st century North Americans and this may fuel that fire.
In the end, Jackson Jones is a fun story, and I don't think it's dangerous or absolute twaddle. I just hoped for something better.
December 7, 2010
I would give this 2.5 stars. Obviously written for early readers and not a bad book until about 60% through when I realized it was a "God book."
September 30, 2010
I literally laughed out loud while reading Jackson Jones. Be sure to read the chapter titles as they are as funny as the story itself. I loved this book and hope that my children John (10yo) and Theresa (12yo) will love it as well, especially since the main character is 10.5 years old and in 6th grade (you'll have to read the book to find out why). The writing style reminded me of both The Phantom Tollbooth and books by Roald Dahl
August 8, 2010
I love the chapter headings. This is a fun book with a great message. I found Jenn Kelly's talking to the reader annoying after a while.
April 1, 2012
Jackson James: the Tale of a Boy, an Elf, and a Very Stinky Fish
By Jenn Kelly, illustrated by Ariane Elsammak
This was the third book that I have received from signing up for First Reads. I chose this one because I am a teacher and it sounded like a book for kids. The book is a tale using much fantasy and imaginary situations and things. It has mostly short chapters with very quick movement from one fantasy situation to another. There are small black and white illustrations in the book as well. Some of the themes include things that children have a love/hate relationship with such as boogers, vomit and hairy spiders. They always seem to groan when they hear about them, but they are always seeking opportunities to bring them up.
The basic plot is that a boy gets lost in his great-aunt’s huge hairdo and encounters a whole fantasy world there. He is guided through that world by three sisters who are elves. Some of the situations include mirrors which tell what you will be like at different ages, creatures called crubbies and a door on the floor.
In addition to enjoying the fantasy, I liked what I felt to be the real main point of the book: that we give ourselves so much negative feedback about who we are that we are never able to see our real selves or our real purpose in life.
As a teacher I had some thoughts as to how the book could be used with students. One would be as a read-aloud. The teacher could read it to the class or the class members could take turn reading chapters. Some follow-up ideas for the class would be essays or discussions on such topics as:
*What happens to our body if we eat too much of one kind of food
*What would you see if you looked into a future mirror of yourself
*How do you learn to be yourself
*How do you get rid of the negative messages you tell yourself about yourself
*What do you believe your purpose in life is
*Have you done something heroic
A second activity would be to make copies of each chapter and have the students read it to themselves. They could then make up an alternative ending for the chapter or illustrate what they thought the chapter was about.
By Jenn Kelly, illustrated by Ariane Elsammak
This was the third book that I have received from signing up for First Reads. I chose this one because I am a teacher and it sounded like a book for kids. The book is a tale using much fantasy and imaginary situations and things. It has mostly short chapters with very quick movement from one fantasy situation to another. There are small black and white illustrations in the book as well. Some of the themes include things that children have a love/hate relationship with such as boogers, vomit and hairy spiders. They always seem to groan when they hear about them, but they are always seeking opportunities to bring them up.
The basic plot is that a boy gets lost in his great-aunt’s huge hairdo and encounters a whole fantasy world there. He is guided through that world by three sisters who are elves. Some of the situations include mirrors which tell what you will be like at different ages, creatures called crubbies and a door on the floor.
In addition to enjoying the fantasy, I liked what I felt to be the real main point of the book: that we give ourselves so much negative feedback about who we are that we are never able to see our real selves or our real purpose in life.
As a teacher I had some thoughts as to how the book could be used with students. One would be as a read-aloud. The teacher could read it to the class or the class members could take turn reading chapters. Some follow-up ideas for the class would be essays or discussions on such topics as:
*What happens to our body if we eat too much of one kind of food
*What would you see if you looked into a future mirror of yourself
*How do you learn to be yourself
*How do you get rid of the negative messages you tell yourself about yourself
*What do you believe your purpose in life is
*Have you done something heroic
A second activity would be to make copies of each chapter and have the students read it to themselves. They could then make up an alternative ending for the chapter or illustrate what they thought the chapter was about.
March 12, 2012
I received an ARC copy of this book as part of the First Reads Giveaways. As with other books I've won from this program I wasn't disappointed.
Jackson Jones is a young boy struggling to find out who he really is. He enjoys baseball, but is very bad at it. He enjoys writing, but can't seem to come up with any ideas. He has no friends, and for once just wants to be a hero in some situation. Well Jackson finds that situation when he falls into his Great Aunt Harriet's hair.
Jackson goes on the tour with the help from some elves, one of whom life Jackson, is a bit of an outcast, and can't seem to fit in. Jackson learns of "The Author" and his own "story" that the Author has written for him.
Yes, like some other reviews have stated, this is a "God" book. But it never actually refers to God. I liked to think of it as more of a faith book, and everyday lessons that everyone can learn from. It doesn't matter what others think. It doesn't matter how much you've failed. If you keep working, and believe in yourself, and follow your dreams you can do whatever you put your mind to.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It was something different from what I have been reading. I always got a chuckle from the chapter names, and the way the author writes directly at the reader.
Jackson Jones is a young boy struggling to find out who he really is. He enjoys baseball, but is very bad at it. He enjoys writing, but can't seem to come up with any ideas. He has no friends, and for once just wants to be a hero in some situation. Well Jackson finds that situation when he falls into his Great Aunt Harriet's hair.
Jackson goes on the tour with the help from some elves, one of whom life Jackson, is a bit of an outcast, and can't seem to fit in. Jackson learns of "The Author" and his own "story" that the Author has written for him.
Yes, like some other reviews have stated, this is a "God" book. But it never actually refers to God. I liked to think of it as more of a faith book, and everyday lessons that everyone can learn from. It doesn't matter what others think. It doesn't matter how much you've failed. If you keep working, and believe in yourself, and follow your dreams you can do whatever you put your mind to.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It was something different from what I have been reading. I always got a chuckle from the chapter names, and the way the author writes directly at the reader.
July 31, 2014
Jackson jones is an unpopular plain ten and a half year old boy who after a family reunion has to sleep in a bunk bed with his great aunt. During the night he fall into his aunts huge pocket dimensional hair. In it he encounters gargantuan spiders elfs ( and makes a friend named Meeka) and more importantly his great aunt's long dead son. And he also learns about God (called the Author)
This book overall was fine but one of the problems was, the Author came in to late. Throughout over the first half of the book nothing about the Author is mentioned, and by the time there is some story going you already think you know what's going to happen. But then to suddenly the Author becomes a major part of the story. If something is practically the whole story then you should add it a little sooner. A lot of people complained about the fact that Jennifer kept interrupting the story. I didn't mind that so much and found it very funny how she was dwelling on the Spanish word for couch. ( and the cosine of 7.88) the main plot was funny. Another thing I didn't like was at the end after all his adventures he still doesn't tell his mom or his aunt what happened, so they go " oh you'll like Meeka" and so on like that, acting like he didn't already know Meeka. It just bugged me.
This book overall was fine but one of the problems was, the Author came in to late. Throughout over the first half of the book nothing about the Author is mentioned, and by the time there is some story going you already think you know what's going to happen. But then to suddenly the Author becomes a major part of the story. If something is practically the whole story then you should add it a little sooner. A lot of people complained about the fact that Jennifer kept interrupting the story. I didn't mind that so much and found it very funny how she was dwelling on the Spanish word for couch. ( and the cosine of 7.88) the main plot was funny. Another thing I didn't like was at the end after all his adventures he still doesn't tell his mom or his aunt what happened, so they go " oh you'll like Meeka" and so on like that, acting like he didn't already know Meeka. It just bugged me.
April 30, 2012
Thank you goodreads giveaways for my copy of this book. A lovely little spiritual adventure for kids. Jackson is a thoughtful young man who wants to be a writer like his mom. His family has just moved and he finds it difficult to make friends. While his family hosts a reunion he has to share his bunk beds with aunt Harriet. It's a restless night and he falls into Aunt Harriet's voluminous hair. He has an arduous journey with his elfin tour guide Meeka. He learns many life lessons and meets other elfin friends who help him with his understanding of himself and the "author's" (God) plan for him. A sweet and funny narrative with adorable illustrations.
October 31, 2013
I loved the initial premise of this book (a boy entering an alternate world through his aunt's bouffant hairdo), and I used it as a read-aloud with my 9-year-old son. However, it soon became apparent that the book's message was primary, while the plot was secondary. In fact, at the halfway point of the book, I was still wondering: "What's the point?"
Also, while the touches of humor in the book saved it from a 1-star rating, the constant (and often prolonged) disruptions of the story's flow by the narrator quickly became distracting. My son and I both agreed we didn't want to move on with the second book in the series.
Also, while the touches of humor in the book saved it from a 1-star rating, the constant (and often prolonged) disruptions of the story's flow by the narrator quickly became distracting. My son and I both agreed we didn't want to move on with the second book in the series.
February 10, 2020
The summary of this book is, there is this boy, and he has this huge family, and there is this aunt he does not like, its not that he hates her its that he scares her... He scares him with her hair, because its so big. So then he goes on this huge adventure, and figures lots of things out with his Elf friend. And ultimately finds a way out.
This was also an easy book. But the thing I disliked most was that it felt very drawn out and a lot of action and things in it that weren't really key or needed to the story.
I would recommend it to someone who loves fantasy and crazy ideas, but also to a young child or kid.
This was also an easy book. But the thing I disliked most was that it felt very drawn out and a lot of action and things in it that weren't really key or needed to the story.
I would recommend it to someone who loves fantasy and crazy ideas, but also to a young child or kid.
October 9, 2015
An odd beginning, adventure and laughter, a real page Turner. I found that it to be a wonderful book, I found it heartwarming and beautiful.
A wonderfully book, a more modern version of Alice in wonderland perhaps.
And I think it deserves a five star rating in its own right. Those off all ages should enjoy it,
my best friend would adore this especially.
I hope you love it as much as i do.
A wonderfully book, a more modern version of Alice in wonderland perhaps.
And I think it deserves a five star rating in its own right. Those off all ages should enjoy it,
my best friend would adore this especially.
I hope you love it as much as i do.
December 13, 2016
Great book for preteen to early teen.
October 11, 2010
My ten-year old son loved this book. Once he started reading it on his Kobo he did not want to put it down. His continuous laughter made this book a big hit in our household. If you want something a boy will read, I highly recommend this book.
The Kobo edition (epub) also contained all the novel's illustrations.
The Kobo edition (epub) also contained all the novel's illustrations.
August 21, 2012
I started off really enjoying this book for a fun kids read. It just didn't quite pull it's story line together enough. I liked that it was trying to give a bigger picture to life and the guidance we can receive along the way. I am grateful to find books that are trying to teach kids of higher purpose but even though I do appreciate the effort it just didn't quite work.
November 10, 2012
Ten and a half year old Jackson Jones never would have guessed he’d learn so much about himself by falling into his Great Aunt Harriet’s hair. But, he did! Not only that, but he made a new friend (an elf named Meeka), learned about The Author of his story, and what the word couch is in Spanish. Confused yet? Well, see if you see things any clearer by reading this wacky adventure!
January 24, 2014
I read this to my 11-year old and we thought it was charming and had some great moral tales along the way. The 78 chapters were hilariously labeled, some only a sentence or two long and it had a sweet nostalgia to it. We promptly ordered the second book.
I hope a lot of librarians buy this for their schools!
I hope a lot of librarians buy this for their schools!
July 1, 2010
Not very good...just okay. Religious overtones make it inappropriate for use in my classroom, but good messages nonetheless.
December 20, 2010
Cute book that my oldest son would have enjoyed in elementary school...good message of self!!!
January 11, 2011
Read this as a nighttime story with my boys...they loved it!
Want to Read
March 15, 2012This sounds like something my little one would love. This will make a good story to read to him nightly!
March 18, 2012
My daughter thought it was boring at the beginning then it was funny later on... no, REALLY funny later on. I recommend kids to read this book.
March 28, 2012
Funny story for kids with a message.
June 19, 2012
Loved this book!!!!!!!
July 21, 2016
Rambling, disjointed, Bible story disguised as a fantasy book.
Did Not Finish
August 3, 2010*Thanks to Pam Mettler of Zondervan for providing an ARC for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*
September 24, 2013
I loved reading this book to Joel. It was so much fun to read and was full of great lessons.
July 30, 2014
Very cute and inspiring story.
September 23, 2014
Hilarious!! My teacher read this to us in class and we all loved it!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews