One of the best children’s book I read in 2019 is the Jungle Jamboree written and illustrated by talented Jo Empson. It won a place in my heart for its bright splashes of forest green hues, the warm lines and expressions on the animal faces and the unhurried pace of storytelling. The narration clever and straightforward renders it a must read for all ages.
A jungle jamboree
Tonight at dusk
All creatures welcome
great and small
But who will be the most beautiful of all?
The animals gather for the jungle jamboree but they all seem self-conscious about their appearance and insecure about what they deem flaws in their bodies. The lion finds it mane too dull, the bird its legs too short, the hippo its bottom too big, the zebra its stripes too boring. Did I say all animals? Well, not all, the fly seems too absorbed to finding lunch… The worried animals use bright accessories and improvise to perfect their appearance with feathers, bamboo legs, fancy pants and splash of colours. Yet, the reader can’t help but notice that Finally all the creatures were ready but somehow they didn’t quite look themselves. Something had changed…
Indeed, all these preparations gave each contestant confidence. Unfortunately, though, a storm caused mischief and chaos ruining their ornaments, blowing away frills and accessories leaving animals bare, scruffy and disappointed in darkness. How will the judges crown the most beautiful animal now? What will the little kind fly do to help the situation? A lovely reading about true beauty and kindness. We absolutely loved this Jungle Jamboree!
- Author and Illustrator: Jo Empson
- Length: 32 Pages
- Paperback: 32 pages
- Age Range: 2 – 6 years
- Publisher: Puffin
- Published: 10/01/2019
- Language: English
une petite bibliophile 
A great review of a lovely book, by a very talented lady
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