Lanan, Jessica. Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider. Jessica Lanan, Illus. Roaring Brook, 04/2023. [44]pp. Non-Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-250-81036-6. GRADES 1 – 5. OUTSTANDING.
An engaging text describes what it is to be a regal jumping spider, one of the most common spiders in the world. The spider’s abilities to see, hear, jump, and sense things are described in a way that relates to human behavior, making it understandable to children. There is one gatefold spread that shows how the spider’s eight eyes allow for 360 degree vision. The full-color ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations depict the spider and her surroundings realistically, living with a human family that presents as white. With just a few sentences per page, this works well as a readaloud for primary graders, and contains enough information for reports. The facts given in the back matter, which includes a glossary, description of the spider’s life cycle, and other details, will be of special help to young researchers.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool