Jess Was the Brave One - Hardcover

Little, Jean

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670834955 ISBN 13: 9780670834952

Publisher: Viking Juvenile, 1992

Synopsis

Claire's younger sister is always braver when it comes to shots, spooky shadows, tree climbing, fierce dogs, and scary movies, but when bullies take Jess's teddy bear, Claire finds her own way to be brave

About this title

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Although Claire is older, Jess is bolder. When Jess's pink teddy is swiped for fun by a gang of older kids, however, dreamy Claire comes to the rescue with threats that cousins Wilberforce and Wellington (whose names they know from Grandpa's historical storytelling) will come to ``get'' them. Despite the reassuring message that everyone can be brave when necessary, there is confusion about the appropriate audience for this title. Three-to-four-year-olds may indeed be interested in teddy bear stories, but there is a sub: stantial amount of text on each page, making the book more appropriate for independent readers or older listeners. Wilson's full-color illustrations are well composed and dramatic, especially on the many pages where perspective is used effectively. However, the ages of the girls vary visually from page to page (and sometimes older Claire looks younger), making it difficult to interpret the action. Although pleasant, this book is less than satisfying. --Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester,
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Courage comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes turns up when least expected. Claire is often in awe of her seemingly fearless younger sister Jess--who watches scary movies on TV without hiding her eyes, doesn't flinch when the doctor gives her a shot, and always climbs to the high branches in the backyard tree. But when some big kids from the neighborhood kidnap Jess's beloved pink teddy bear, she is paralyzed with fright. Claire and her active imagination bravely come to the rescue. The text's matter-of-fact tone builds a credible case for Claire's admiration of her younger sister, and the siblings' dialogue is right on target. Wilson's ( Daniel's Dog ) realistic, softly hued paintings glow with familial warmth even when the sisters are at odds with each other. The myriad, deftly depicted facial expressions are a perfect match for the girls' shifting moods. Another engaging touch: the Pooh-like pencil drawings of Jess's teddy bear on the left-hand page of each spread. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking Juvenile
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0670834955
• ISBN 13: 9780670834952
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320