Jubilee
PreSchool-Grade 3–Using a quiet text and muted palette, the first few pages of this picture book depict a natural setting, as readers are invited to walk through the woods and out into the sun. From this point on, most of the action takes place in a clearing, and the sun-filled artwork shows folks of every color joining together for the "Jubilee." The rhythmic text picks up its pace as the hugging, joking, and eating begin. The "Jubilee" is presented as a big family picnic with games, singing, and dancing. The artwork, done in acrylics and watercolor washes, captures the joy of the occasion, and caricature-style people populate the pictures. They swing with the music and dance and play with abandon. Tables overflow with mouthwatering favorites, and children nibble on blueberries, corn, and ice cream. "Jubilee" is not explained in the text, and it may be an unfamiliar concept to many youngsters. If children hear this story without knowing that the term refers to heaven, they will view this as a family reunion, and will feel the happiness of the gathering. However, if they are aware that all of these people are deceased, the book could be very disturbing.–Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.