Lanan, Jessica. Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider. Jessica Lanan, Illus. Roaring Brook, 04/2023. 48pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-250-81036-6. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
Prepare to be drawn directly into the life and the essence of being a spider. Well-paced text and full-bleed dynamic illustrations together invite the reader to vividly imagine and identify each of a jumping spider’s unique attributes and senses in great detail. The ink, watercolor, and gouache images use dramatic techniques of perspective, composition, blurring and a wrap-around fold-out to emphasize all aspects of Jumper’s world. A young girl parallels Jumper’s day with her own exploration in the background, further drawing the connections to an arthropod’s experience. The thorough afterword offers detailed explanations about spider attributes, as well as tips for finding and identifying spiders in your own neighborhood. Jumper presents an exemplary and captivating readaloud that will inspire not only understanding, but also connection and curiosity to the microcosms we find in our daily lives.
Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library