Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2011. 132 pages.

Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8

Recommended for: Ages 4-8

Bottom Line: A humorous illustrated chapter book that celebrates the special relationship a young boy has with his grandmother.

First grader Jasper John Dooley spends every Wednesday afternoon with his grandmother. They have a special relationship that involves regular card games, eating Jujubes together, and sharing the ins and outs of their adventures with one another. One week, Nan goes on a cruise. Jasper John and his family are there to see her off, but Jasper John is not enthused. He feels deflated, like a little balloon (complete with sound effects). What will he do all week without Nan? Jasper John comes up with some clever ways to share his week with Nan: for instance, he saves rain water and air in different cups so he can share them with Nan when she returns. Other adventures ensue involving staples in his stomach, a hamster, building his own cruise ship, and getting in trouble at school.

The descriptions of Jasper John’s emotions are pitch-perfect for first and second graders; they will relate well to his missing Nan, his eagerness over some events and dread of others. This is a sweet and funny book for grandparents to share with their grandsons (in person or as a gift), and it truly celebrates the special relationship that often happens between grandparents and grandchildren. There are too few solid books about boys in the illustrated chapter book category. This is one of them.

Cautions: none

Overall Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

• Worldview Rating: 4.5
• Artistic Rating: 4.5

Categories: Chapter Books, Realistic Fiction, 4 stars and up
Cover image from Amazon