Jooka Saves the Day - Hardcover

Eduar, Gilles

3.9

20 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0531300366 ISBN 13: 9780531300367

Publisher: Orchard Books, 1997

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Life is good among the crocodiles on the banks of the Zimbu River, until unusual little Jooka sneezes fire and wings pop out from under his shirt, evidence that he is a dragon, and he frightens his friends away, in this magical tale of growing up.

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From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 3. Young Jooka's journey to self-awareness is a jazzed-up "Ugly Duckling" tale with a modern rain-forest backdrop. Eduar sets the scene with language rich enough to match the intense hues of the naive art. When Jooka-zay-kajoo crashes into their bridge, the crocodiles are amused by his story of falling asleep in the water and by his extravagant name. As the days go by, they can't help noticing that Jooka has antennas and breathes wisps of smoke as he sleeps. When Jooka sneezes one day, flames shoot from his mouth, and pointed wings pop up from under his shirt. His friends panic, disappearing into the river. Now feeling low because he is so different from the other crocodiles, he paddles along with the current and lands on a rocky island inhabited by Theo, a wise pelican. Theo recognizes Jooka for the dragon he is and convinces him that "the differences are gifts." With his help, Jooka gains confidence and flies back to the rain forest, where he saves the crocodiles from hunters. This is a well-paced read-aloud, with a format that is large and bold enough to be seen by a group. Jooka is an appealing character, reassuring proof that differences can be strengths. The illustrations have a unique palette and are enriched by an energetic use of space. The artist utilizes double-page spreads, small frames of action, and free standing figures to maintain constant interest. Bold lines give the artwork a look reminiscent of Bemelmans's work. A clever tale of self-acceptance.?Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Despite the preliminarily disenchanting premise of the different-one-who-wins, Eduar, with ebullient illustrations that blaze with tropical scenery and color, sweeps readers into the saga of how Jooka-zay-kajoo's search for his unique identity leads him to unity with the crocodiles. It isn't just Jooka's name that's weird, but everything else as well: his red-striped tank top, his antennas, his falling asleep in the water (because he then bumps into the bridge and wakes everyone from siesta). The crocodiles accept Jooka anyway, until the day he sneezes fire and wings pop out of his shirt. The frightened crocs run away, and Zooka sadly paddles his boat to a rocky little island, the home of Theo, a wise pelican. Theo not only tells Jooka what he is--a dragon--but also trains him to strengthen his gifts before sending him back to his crocodile friends. By this time, they need him to get back the crocodiles taken by hunters; Jooka saves the captured with his fire and flight, and the book closes with a reunion. Vibrant illustrations and small touches lift this story from the ordinary, and establish a magical world akin to that of Babar--a world that readers will respond to happily. (Picture book. 3-7) -- Copyright �1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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