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Jasper John Dooley #1
Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week
At last, it's Jasper John Dooley's turn to be Star of the Week at school. Unfortunately, nothing turns out as planned. His Show and Tell falls flat. A new baby at his friend Ori's house steals his spotlight. And worst of all, the new baby has only-child Jasper wondering if his own family is too small. When Jasper decides to build himself a brother (named Earl) out of wood, Earl's schoolyard shenanigans send Jasper to the principal's office! But with a little help from family and friends, things turn around for Jasper. And by the time Friday arrives, he is once again sure that he has what it takes to be a star. Jasper John Star of the Week is the first in a series of chapter books featuring a charismatic and funny central character. An only child with active, loving parents (and a most impressive lint collection), Jasper John Dooley is a true original.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2012
18 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Adderson
58 books78 followersCaroline Adderson grew up in Alberta. After traveling around Canada, she moved to B.C. to go to university and has mostly lived there ever since. She started writing seriously after university, eventually going on to write two internationally published novels (A History of Forgetting and Sitting Practice) and two collections of short stories for adults (Bad Imaginings and Pleased To Meet You). When her son was five, she began writing seriously unserious books for young readers (Very Serious Children; I, Bruno;and Bruno For Real). Her contribution to the Single Voice series is her first really serious book for young readers and her first book for teens.
Caroline’s work has received numerous prize nominations including the Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist, the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. A two-time Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize and three-time CBC Literary Award winner, Caroline was also the recipient of the 2006 Marian Engel Award, given annually to an outstanding female writer in mid-career in recognition of her body of work. She also won the 2009 Diamond Willow Award—voted on by lots of nice kids in Saskatchewan—for her children’s novel Very Serious Children.
Caroline keeps writing for readers of all ages every day. She also does a little teaching at Simon Fraser University and hangs out with her husband, a filmmaker, their 10-year-old son, and their naughty dog, Mickey, a Jack Russell terrier who is very lucky to be cute or she would never get away with all she does. Caroline’s advice to young writers is to read, read, read and write, write, write, and never get a Jack Russell terrier.
Caroline’s work has received numerous prize nominations including the Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist, the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. A two-time Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize and three-time CBC Literary Award winner, Caroline was also the recipient of the 2006 Marian Engel Award, given annually to an outstanding female writer in mid-career in recognition of her body of work. She also won the 2009 Diamond Willow Award—voted on by lots of nice kids in Saskatchewan—for her children’s novel Very Serious Children.
Caroline keeps writing for readers of all ages every day. She also does a little teaching at Simon Fraser University and hangs out with her husband, a filmmaker, their 10-year-old son, and their naughty dog, Mickey, a Jack Russell terrier who is very lucky to be cute or she would never get away with all she does. Caroline’s advice to young writers is to read, read, read and write, write, write, and never get a Jack Russell terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 7, 2017
I like Jasper ... I like him a lot!
December 19, 2016
Jasper John Dooley has been waiting all year to be star of the week in his classroom, and now finally it’s his turn! This week, his schedule will be very full - Show and Tell on Monday, Family Tree on Tuesday, Science Experiment on Wednesday, Talent on Thursday, and a special snack and compliments from his classmates on Friday. As the week begins, however, Jasper realizes that being star of the week is harder than it looks. No one understands his show and tell (a collection of lint), his family so small, it’s more like a twig than a tree, and he forgets about the science experiment altogether! Will he make it through the week, or will his star be taken away?
Jasper is a really fun character, sure to appeal to boys in Pre-K to 2nd Grade who are ready for short chapter books. His unusual interests, silly mistakes, and his friendship with his best friend, Ori, make him very easy to relate to, and the story just breezes right by as the reader becomes more and more invested in his success as the star. Especially funny is his creation of a wooden doll named Earl, to serve as his baby brother after Ori’s mom gives birth to a new baby. I also love the concept of “getting the lates,” Jasper’s name for being late to school, and the way he and Ori turn the phrase “over the hump” into a game where they literally jump over humps in a blanket.
Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week is a nice transitional book for kids who are finished with easy readers but not yet ready for series like Alvin Ho and Calvin Coconut. The Jasper John Dooley series compares well, in terms of reading level, to Nate the Great and Mercy Watson, and in terms of content to Marvin Redpost, Horrible Harry, and My Weird School.
Jasper is a really fun character, sure to appeal to boys in Pre-K to 2nd Grade who are ready for short chapter books. His unusual interests, silly mistakes, and his friendship with his best friend, Ori, make him very easy to relate to, and the story just breezes right by as the reader becomes more and more invested in his success as the star. Especially funny is his creation of a wooden doll named Earl, to serve as his baby brother after Ori’s mom gives birth to a new baby. I also love the concept of “getting the lates,” Jasper’s name for being late to school, and the way he and Ori turn the phrase “over the hump” into a game where they literally jump over humps in a blanket.
Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week is a nice transitional book for kids who are finished with easy readers but not yet ready for series like Alvin Ho and Calvin Coconut. The Jasper John Dooley series compares well, in terms of reading level, to Nate the Great and Mercy Watson, and in terms of content to Marvin Redpost, Horrible Harry, and My Weird School.
March 22, 2021
I cannot say enough about the stand-out writing and stellar voice of the first book in this series. The main character has a unique way of looking at the world, and yet his child-like thinking is so universal. The text is peerless and while it's funny, charming, quirky, kid-friendly, thought-provoking, it never—NEVER—tries too hard. It seems completely natural and effortless that Jasper John would think his friend's sister looks like a piece of fruit or that his wooden science project actually talks to him. He is constantly in trouble but not in a Junie B. or Iggy way. He comes by it innocently enough. He has worries and questions that are so sweet, so appropriate, and sometimes so existential, that one cannot help but admire the author's intimate knowledge of children. Absolutely blown away by this book and hope to read many many more. Highly recommended for all ages to read together.
December 30, 2022
The first in a new series of transitional chapter books featuring Jasper John Dooley, a quirky and creative young boy. Jasper is finally Star of the Week although it does not run as smoothly as he had planned. From his less than interesting lint collection show-and-tell, to his dismal family tree, to his forgotten science experiment, Jasper worries that he will have to forfeit his "star" status before weeks end. Add in his new quest to convince his parents that their small family needs an addition and it's clear that Jasper has a lot on his mind. Adderson creates a wonderfully believable character in Jasper with easy to read text. The occasional black and white line drawings add additional depth.
December 18, 2019
This is a cute book, and if I was still in elementary school, I would love it. This is just one of those times when a book written for kids does not really work once an adult reads it. Which is fine, for the target audience, it's great, but that's not me.
Jasper is a character that I feel does a good job of representing the way little kids think. The one questionable moment was when he built his brother, alone, with a saw. It seems like parental supervision should have been part of this.
Author: Caroline Adderson
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: March 1st 2012
Jasper is a character that I feel does a good job of representing the way little kids think. The one questionable moment was when he built his brother, alone, with a saw. It seems like parental supervision should have been part of this.
Author: Caroline Adderson
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: March 1st 2012
August 14, 2020
This chapter book consists of 12 short chapters.
Jasper John lives with his mom and dad across the alley and one house down from his best friend Ori. Jasper is excited to have his turn as Star of the Week at school, but Ori gets the attention on Show and Tell day when he tells their teacher he has a new baby sister. Jasper decides he needs a new baby in his family, too, because their family tree is so small, until he learns that Ori's baby sister cries all the time. Jasper comes up with his own ways to stand out as Star of the Week, and how to have a new sibling.
Jasper John lives with his mom and dad across the alley and one house down from his best friend Ori. Jasper is excited to have his turn as Star of the Week at school, but Ori gets the attention on Show and Tell day when he tells their teacher he has a new baby sister. Jasper decides he needs a new baby in his family, too, because their family tree is so small, until he learns that Ori's baby sister cries all the time. Jasper comes up with his own ways to stand out as Star of the Week, and how to have a new sibling.
January 22, 2019
Children's books in a series. A very cute story about a young boy who gets to be star of the week. I thought it very curious he collected lint. Yes, dryer lint, belly button lint.
He has a funny friend whose mom just had a baby who they call Watermelon or Wa wa wa for all the crying the baby does. It was a cute story and seemed really like an imaginative K or 1, or 2.
He has a funny friend whose mom just had a baby who they call Watermelon or Wa wa wa for all the crying the baby does. It was a cute story and seemed really like an imaginative K or 1, or 2.
January 22, 2019
This book will especially appeal to students who have "Star of the Week" in their classroom or only children who want a sibling, or students who have added a new baby to their family. Kids will enjoy the humor in this twelve chapter book that is perfect for readers just starting to read longer books. Also kids tend to enjoy books that come in a series and Jasper John currently has three books!
February 19, 2021
Jasper John Dooley gets to be the Star of the Week at school (something he's been looking forward to for a long time), but it doesn't go quite as planned. He is sure that the only way to solve his problems is to have a sibling...just like his best friend Ori. Throughout the week, Jasper learns that he is happy with his family the way that it is, and he can always be a star by being kind.
December 23, 2021
I am an adult on a journey to sample books from different genres. This is by far my favorite juvenile fiction book series. Jasper reminds me of every child I have worked with and my own inner child. I love this story because it brings the reader into Jasper's world and teaches the reader the value of being uniquely oneself.
July 23, 2017
Jasper John Dooley is a creative and fun-loving character. In "Star of the Week" Jasper gets to be the star of his class for an entire week, i.e. the only student to present Show and Tell, a science project, his talent, and his family tree. (Jasper calls it his family stick.)
Cute story with delightful line drawings by Ben Clanton.
Cute story with delightful line drawings by Ben Clanton.
June 2, 2017
This is one of the most charming early chapter books we have read in a long time. My first grader thinks it is spot on too. Funny and touching, Jasper is hysterical and quirky and a nice sweet boy. So refreshing to see an off beat character that is so true.
April 14, 2019
If you are looking for a new chapter book series to read with your kids, look no further! Jasper John Dooley is laugh out loud funny for both kids and adults! We are currently on book #3 and can’t enough of this quirky, loveable, and endearing grade schooler.
October 18, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book and want to read the next book in the series!
August 16, 2017
Many laugh out loud moments for parents and kids alike. Unfortunately this book got my kid obsessed with belly button lint :0
June 30, 2018
When you get older, sometimes, some of us forget how self-centered children can be.
August 9, 2022
A week in the life of an imaginative and individualistic boy in elementary school (age not specified and could easily be anywhere K-5). Laugh out loud funny for both kids and grown ups. Great series!
October 8, 2023
I really, really like Jasper. He is such an original thinker and is so real and funny. I loved this book and will definitely continue the series.
November 11, 2025
A nice, fun, entreating book! Good for pleasure read!
December 8, 2025
This book is brilliant. Jasper John is a richly developed, quirky character. Kids and parents alike will love this book.
October 21, 2018
Jasper is a creative thinker and the adults in his life (parents, teacher, principal) respect him and let him figure things out in his own time. Adderson's story is playful, laugh-out-loud funny at times.
All six books in this series are really good.
All six books in this series are really good.
August 10, 2015
Originally posted on You Must Have Your Hands Full
I first became acquainted with Jasper John Dooley when I read an ARC of his most recent adventure, Lost and Found. I’ll be posting my review of that book after it is released on September 1st. My girls and I enjoyed reading Jasper’s story so much that we looked for some more of his books for the library.
Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week is a children’s book written by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. This is a chapter book, but the language is fairly simple- I’d place it at about a second grade reading level.
Jasper is a young boy who goes to elementary school. As the story begins, he is preparing for his role as Star of the Week in his classroom. He will get to present something for Show and Tell, and he will get to do a science experiment, and he will even get to bring in a special snack.
At school, his Show and Tell is pre-empted by his friend Ori’s new baby. Jasper is very curious about babies, and wants one of his own, but he doesn’t appreciate being overshadowed. Things get even worse when the other children are not impressed by his lint collection.
Over the course of the week, Jasper learns about the importance of family, friendship, and what is really important in life. Adderson infuses the story with sweet humor that children and parents can relate to. There are also lessons to be learned: Jasper experiences setbacks, but he doesn’t give up.
I would recommend Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week. This would be a good book to read out loud for older preschoolers or kindergartners, and a great read-to-self choice for children in the first couple of years of elementary school. I also love the way this book features a little boy; there are so many books that have young female protagonists, so it is nice to see a little boy who isn’t necessarily wild or naughty like the boys in other books. I’ve already told several of my friends with boys my daughters’ age about Jasper, and I’m hoping that this review helps even more people discover Jasper. We are looking forward to reading more of Jasper’s books soon!
I first became acquainted with Jasper John Dooley when I read an ARC of his most recent adventure, Lost and Found. I’ll be posting my review of that book after it is released on September 1st. My girls and I enjoyed reading Jasper’s story so much that we looked for some more of his books for the library.
Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week is a children’s book written by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. This is a chapter book, but the language is fairly simple- I’d place it at about a second grade reading level.
Jasper is a young boy who goes to elementary school. As the story begins, he is preparing for his role as Star of the Week in his classroom. He will get to present something for Show and Tell, and he will get to do a science experiment, and he will even get to bring in a special snack.
At school, his Show and Tell is pre-empted by his friend Ori’s new baby. Jasper is very curious about babies, and wants one of his own, but he doesn’t appreciate being overshadowed. Things get even worse when the other children are not impressed by his lint collection.
Over the course of the week, Jasper learns about the importance of family, friendship, and what is really important in life. Adderson infuses the story with sweet humor that children and parents can relate to. There are also lessons to be learned: Jasper experiences setbacks, but he doesn’t give up.
I would recommend Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week. This would be a good book to read out loud for older preschoolers or kindergartners, and a great read-to-self choice for children in the first couple of years of elementary school. I also love the way this book features a little boy; there are so many books that have young female protagonists, so it is nice to see a little boy who isn’t necessarily wild or naughty like the boys in other books. I’ve already told several of my friends with boys my daughters’ age about Jasper, and I’m hoping that this review helps even more people discover Jasper. We are looking forward to reading more of Jasper’s books soon!
April 15, 2012
In this first title in a series, Jasper John Dooley who definitely marches to his own drummer joins the ranks of titles such as Amber Brown, Clementine, and Judy Moody, but this time with a boy as the main character. I've wondered for awhile about the lack of early chapter books with male protagonists, and finally, this one fits the bill. In this introductory story, Jasper is thrilled to be the Star of the Week in his class, and he eagerly anticipates showing his jewelry box filled with treasures. But his treasures are different colors of lint removed from the dryer screen and a small collection of lint from his father's belly button. "Yuck!" pretty much sums up his classmates' reaction, and Jasper finds being the star not as satisfying as he expected it to be. With his best friend Ori suffering from sleep deprivation after a new addition arrives in his family, Jasper tries to persuade his parents that their family is too small. There is much to smile about while reading this title with its appealing illustrations. Teachers will smile in recognition at the descriptions of Ms. Tosh's voice, which changes depending on whether she thinks what she is hearing is true or made up. For the most part, Jasper is blissfully unconcerned about what others think about his uniqueness. I appreciated how supportive his parents are as he follows his own path to his own type of bliss. I'm sure I won't be the only one who looks forward to more about this creative spirit's adventures.
May 18, 2012
Meet Jasper John in this delightful new series. One Sunday Jasper is beside himself with excitement. Starting Monday morning he will be Star of the Week at school! Each day is special for the Star of the Week: Show and Tell Monday, Family Tree Tuesday, Science Experiment Wednesday, Talent Thursday, and Special Snack Friday. Jasper has the perfect item for Show and Tell. He will be taking his collection of lint. Yes, lint! He has dryer lint. He has pocket lint. He has his dad's bellybutton lint. Surely no one else has anything like this. Jasper is convinced the class is going to be so, so, so excited. Right?
What Jasper doesn't count on is being upstaged by his best friend, Ori. Only Jasper is supposed to have Show and Tell but Ori announces to the class that his family has a new baby girl and everyone's attention shifts away from Jasper. Not only does this ruin his great sharing moment but Jasper, who has seen and adores Ori's sister, wishes he had one too. As the week rolls on nothing works out quite as Jasper planned, but he takes it all in stride.
It's hard not to fall in love with this energetic, creative and likeable boy. Adderson's depiction of Jasper's loving, effective parents, his calm and caring teacher and his devoted friendship with Ori lend a sweetness that's never sappy. More please!
What Jasper doesn't count on is being upstaged by his best friend, Ori. Only Jasper is supposed to have Show and Tell but Ori announces to the class that his family has a new baby girl and everyone's attention shifts away from Jasper. Not only does this ruin his great sharing moment but Jasper, who has seen and adores Ori's sister, wishes he had one too. As the week rolls on nothing works out quite as Jasper planned, but he takes it all in stride.
It's hard not to fall in love with this energetic, creative and likeable boy. Adderson's depiction of Jasper's loving, effective parents, his calm and caring teacher and his devoted friendship with Ori lend a sweetness that's never sappy. More please!
September 10, 2012
I know, it gets tiresome to always compare new books against older favorites, but it seems to work for me in this case. Here are two things I'd say about Star of the Week, the first book in what's sure to be an ongoing series about Jasper John Dooley:
- A Junie B. Jones for boys.
- A nice beginning chapter book option for kids and parents looking for an alternative to the over-the-top nature and potty humor of Captain Underpants and the many similar titles.
Jasper is super excited because it's his turn to be Star of the Week in his class at school, which means he'll get to show off his talent, share his family tree, demonstrate a science experiment, and more. When his classmates find his show-and-tell lint collection odd and disgusting instead of fun and exciting on Monday morning, however, his week doesn't get off to the start he was anticipating. Then classmate Ori gets all of the attention that should be going to Jasper because Ori has a new baby brother, so Jasper decides he must come up with something even more fabulous the rest of the week to get everyone's focus back on him.
Mildly funny and touching, it's a story that readers will relate to. 3.5 stars.
- A Junie B. Jones for boys.
- A nice beginning chapter book option for kids and parents looking for an alternative to the over-the-top nature and potty humor of Captain Underpants and the many similar titles.
Jasper is super excited because it's his turn to be Star of the Week in his class at school, which means he'll get to show off his talent, share his family tree, demonstrate a science experiment, and more. When his classmates find his show-and-tell lint collection odd and disgusting instead of fun and exciting on Monday morning, however, his week doesn't get off to the start he was anticipating. Then classmate Ori gets all of the attention that should be going to Jasper because Ori has a new baby brother, so Jasper decides he must come up with something even more fabulous the rest of the week to get everyone's focus back on him.
Mildly funny and touching, it's a story that readers will relate to. 3.5 stars.
June 17, 2014
Jasper John Dooley is a unique character and definitely has his own worldview. He is so excited to be Star of the Week and he knows exactly what he is going to bring to school for each day. Things don't go to plan, though. His lint collection that he brings for Show and Tell is upstaged when his best friend announces that he has a new baby sister, he adds an extra leaf to his family tree because it looks so bare and then makes up a sibling to go with it. That leads to him building a "brother" out of wood scraps for his Science Experiment (the teacher does a great job of interpreting it as a demonstration of things that are alive or dead). Jasper has a very original idea for his Talent, and he is relieved and enlightened to read all the compliments from the other children. Jasper is a very typical boy, wrapped up in his own thoughts a lot of the time, but kind and thoughtful as well.
I loved the characterization of Jasper and he had me laughing out loud in parts. (I'm obviously channeling my inner 2nd grader!) He gets into scrapes of his own making but then deals with them. The parents (and teacher and principal) are supportive and prepared to let Jasper be himself. This book will keep readers turning the pages to see what Jasper does next.
I loved the characterization of Jasper and he had me laughing out loud in parts. (I'm obviously channeling my inner 2nd grader!) He gets into scrapes of his own making but then deals with them. The parents (and teacher and principal) are supportive and prepared to let Jasper be himself. This book will keep readers turning the pages to see what Jasper does next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2012
Wouldn't we all love to be Star of the Week? Unfortunately for Jasper, he isn't getting the attention he expected and his week is going down hill fast. He desperately searches for ways to regain the focus of his classmates but nothing is working. Not even the idea of getting a new brother. And Jasper only has one week!
The idea for the story was cute and I sympathized with Jasper although I think I felt worse for his sleep-deprived friend Orin. This book should be entertaining to kids who can relate to Jasper's frustration. His antics were humorous and the adorable black and white illustrations by Ben Clanton make it even more appealing. The other characters added to the quirkiness and enforced the importance of support of friends and family. I look forward to reading more from this new series and other work for author Caroline Adderson.
Thank you to NetGalley for an arc (ebook) to review.
The idea for the story was cute and I sympathized with Jasper although I think I felt worse for his sleep-deprived friend Orin. This book should be entertaining to kids who can relate to Jasper's frustration. His antics were humorous and the adorable black and white illustrations by Ben Clanton make it even more appealing. The other characters added to the quirkiness and enforced the importance of support of friends and family. I look forward to reading more from this new series and other work for author Caroline Adderson.
Thank you to NetGalley for an arc (ebook) to review.
July 24, 2012
A good selection for a child ready for a beginning chapter book, of which there are too few well written ones. The story takes the reader through Jasper's week of being "star of the week" in his classroom. There are ups and downs for him which include a show and tell day, a science day, and a family tree day. He begins to question if he really has what it takes to be "a star", but with the help of his family, friends, and teacher he triumphs and turns the week around. The cover states that this is Book 1, so I look forward to more adventures of Jasper John Dooley. This would also be good for a read aloud in first grade. The problems that Jasper encounters are problems faced by many first graders and it would lead to a worthwhile class discussion.
August 28, 2012
My 9 year old son read this book and liked it. He enjoyed the humor of it, and the drawings (which seem to be a big thing, no?), there were several parts he just had to share about. He only gave it four stars though because there are better books out there, in his words, but he didn't have any necessary complaints about this book. I can say that he did not fly through this book like he does with others, so maybe not enough of a hook to see what happens next? He was two chapters from finishing, which usually results in "let me finish this first" but didn't with this particular book, I actually had to tell him to finish so I could return it to the library.
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March 5, 2013At last, it's Jasper John Dooley's turn to be Star of the Week at school. Unfortunately, nothing turns out as planned. His Show and Tell falls flat. A new baby at his friend Ori's house steals his spotlight. And worst of all, the new baby has only-child Jasper wondering if his own family is too small. When Jasper decides to build himself a brother (named Earl) out of wood, Earl's schoolyard shenanigans send Jasper to the principal's office! But with a little help from family and friends, things turn around for Jasper. And by the time Friday arrives, he is once again sure that he has what it takes to be a star.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews