Jitterbug Jam by Barbara Jean Hicks

by Barbara Jean Hicks

An outstanding, ingenious text, which brilliantly explores preconception and prejudice (from both sides).There is a boy under Bobo’s bed. A scary boy with pink skin and orange fur on top of his head and, worst of all, eyes the awful colour the sky is when you wake up in the middle of the day. So next bedtime, Bobo crawls under the kitchen cabinet and decides he’s not going to bed, not now, not ever. But then Boo-Dad comes. And Boo-Dad, the biggest, baddest grandpa ever, has the answer to Bobo’s problem, if only Bobo can be brave enough to give it a try.Very soon in the story you realize that things are not quite the way you thought they were, and that who is who’s monster, is open to question.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Monsters, Fantasy, Family, Friendship, Emotion

Paperback

First published October 4, 2004

About the author

Acclaimed children's book author Barbara Jean Hicks offers visiting author programs and workshops for aspiring writers of all ages. With a flair for the dramatic, Barbara engages, entertains, educates and inspires her audiences. She has taught at the preschool, middle school and community college levels and most recently worked in an elementary school as author-in-residence, program facilitator and parent educator. She has also written marketing copy and edited manuscripts for numerous trade publishers. Her picture books include the award-winning Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale and The Secret Life of Walter Kitty. Barbara lives in Oxnard, California.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The classic "monster under the bed" story gets turned on its head in this entertaining picture-book from Barbara Jean Hicks, as Bobo, a little horned monster, walks around terrified of the pink-skinned, orange-furred boy lurking under his bed. Can his grandfather, Boo-Dad, convince him to stand up for himself, by relating the story of his own first encounter with a human, and what he learned afterward? Will Bobo succeed in scaring away the intruder? Or will something else - something unexpected - happen, offering a different kind of resolution to the problem...?

This being the kind of story it is - that is to say, a reassurance tale - there's never much doubt as to the outcome of the story, but Hicks' folksy narration (although a little uneven) makes getting there lots of fun. The artwork, done by English artist Alexis Deacon (creator of that adorable little lost alien, Beegu ), is expressive, with a real sense of mystery and depth to it. I can see why Jitterbug Jam was chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book! Recommended to anyone looking for bedtime books with a slightly different bent, and to fans of Alexis Deacon.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

When little Bobo suffers from the jitters of something living under his bed, he looks to his granpa to tell a story about facing his fears. It so happens that Bobo is a horned monster and the creature under the bed is a small boy. Rich (Southern?) American dialect is used throughout as both Bobo and Boo-Dad share their stories of being scared.
Both Hicks's prose and Deacon's dream-like illustrations work so well to show a story from the other side. For me, the little monster whose life is so similar to the alien boy is a wonderful way into stereotypes and preconceived prejudices for children.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever been scared about a monster under your bed? In this twist of a tale, Bobo, a young monster, is nervous about what might be hiding under his bed. He knows that he has seen a boy with "pink skin and orange fur on his head". Luckily for Bobo, Boo-Dad, his grandpa, has a story to share about these scary creatures. Boo-Dad teaches him how to overcome his fear and scare the boy away. When Bobo tries the trick, his curiosity just might make him brave enough to find out more about the boy.

This story was illustrated by Alexis Deacon, who is slowly becoming one of my favorite children's illustrators. Similar to the dreaminess of "While You Are Sleeping", the images are slightly smudgy but very unique. She takes risks with the pictures placement and text. With each turn of the page, the reader takes in a new play on these elements. The review of this book that was already posted on goodreads suggests that this book addresses preconceptions and prejudices, which I believe is true. So much rich discussion could come from this wonderful tale with young readers.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 5 year old chose this one at the library. The premise is OK... reversing the idea of the monster under the bed by having a boy under the bed, but the dialect the author created for the characters adds nothing to the story and just makes it difficult to read out loud, and the relationship between the monster and his brother is perhaps realistic for some families, but it's depressingly negative with no change by the end of the book... again, this is not really necessary to the story and not really appropriate to the age group the book is intended for.

[Kwilliamson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care for this book. I did like the premise for the story but I didn't like how the story was written or the dialogue. The story is about a monster who has a boy under his bed and he is scared. His grandpa tells him how to get rid of the boy under his bed but it doesn't work. They end up becoming friends instead.

[Erin Ramai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is appropriate for children in grades 1-3. It was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 2005.

I really loved the basic premise of this picture book, and from the beginning, I was very hopeful. Jitterbug Jam is about a monster named Bobo, who fears that there is a boy hiding under his bed. He worries that every morning, at “monster bedtime” the boy will jump out and scare him. Bobo’s brother, Buster, thinks he is a fraidy-cat, but his grandfather Boo-Dad has experience with these creatures. He tells Bobo and Buster a story about his encounter with a human and how to scare them away. In the end, Bobo discovers that the boy is hiding under his bed because he’s playing hide-and-seek with his brother, who also lives on the other side of the closet. Bobo isn’t afraid anymore, in fact, he’s made a new friend.

This story is simple in concept, but I feel that its execution is a bit complicated for the intended audience. I appreciate the graphic novel format of some of the pages, but because the reader is required to navigate both horizontally and vertically, depending on the layout and stylistic choices, I think it would confuse readers who are just learning to navigate text. Finally, because of the shifts in layout and style, the book lacked cohesiveness. I know that the stylistic shifts were purposeful during Boo-Dad’s story, but aside from that, I didn’t understand the artist’s choices. For me, it wasn’t a satisfying whole. I felt like it was trying to be too many things at once and lost its vision.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jitterbug Jam was one of the New York Times ten best illustrated children's books of 2005 and for good reason! Bobo can't sleep, his brother calls him a fraidy-cat but there is a boy with pink skin and orange fur on his head under his bed. Bobo's Boo-Dad, the biggest, baddest monster grandpa ever, tells him a story about when he was a boy and what he learned to do when you see a boy. That day Bobo tries Boo-Dad's trick but Bobo realizes that he and the boy are more alike then he thought. Bobo doesn't have to be afraid of him anymore. The next day Bobo shares a slice of bread with jitterbug jam with the boy and waits to see what happens.

I thought this monster story with a twist was great fun. It would be perfect for any little monster who is afraid of what is hiding under their bed. The colorful illustrations are engaging and the almost comic book layout of the book keep the story fast paced. At times the wording makes it hard to read aloud but with a little preparation time it could be great fun for story-time.

[Ralf Urbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites in regards to artwork and illustrations!!! Its also a great way to dispel the fears presented by imaginary monsters that lurk in their rooms. My daughter found the idea of a KID being the monster that is doing the scaring very funny. My son actually brought this book to show-and-tell.

[Daisy Toomey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I feel reading this book aloud to the class would be quite tricky (in making sure you said it word for word, rather than adding words in) it would be mesmerising. The story is told in a monsters aspect and Bobo's perspective of a boy hiding under his bed. The book is a total role reversal to begin with, where Bobo's family (and presumably all monsters) have a stigma towards boys and girls. Even though everyone is quick to highlight the differences and that the boy is something to fear/try and scare off. Hicks makes it apparent just how lonely Bobo is upon discovering the boy plays hide and seek with his brother, yet Buster won't.

I love how Bobo decides to make up his own mind through seeing the similarities and befriending the boy with some jitterbug jam. A great book for combatting classroom prejudice, and subtly indicates who the real "fraidy-cats" are.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtesy of Barbara Jean Hicks, compelling writing knocks my socks off, right from the first page.

Literally, my socks can't be knocked off that easily, since I keep my running shoes laced tight. But you get the idea, Goodreaders. I'm going to quote this powerfully nuanced, highly creative, surprisingly compelling first page.

Goodreaders, maybe read the words twice, first as a picture book. Second as a book for high schoolers, maybe written by a latter day J.D. Salinger:

Nobody believes me,
and my brother, Buster, says I'm afraidy-cat,
but I'm not fooling you:
there's a BOY
who hides in my big old monster closet
all night long
and then sneaks under my bed in the morning
on purpose
to scare me.

Brilliant ending! Gorgeous writing all the way through. Magnificent pictures by Alexis Deacon.

[Bianca Synaí · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoy encontré este libro en un snack; llamó mi atención la portada y lo delgado que era para leer en el ratito que iba a estar ahí. Es increíble las sorpresas que te dan algunos libros para niños(o la mayoría de ellos).
Me pareció muy tierno y con ilustraciones muy lindas, mostrando la perspectiva de el mundo de los monstruosos que se contrapone al de los humanos, simplemente muy bonito.

[Annabel Peet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book about facing fears. Using the idea of a monster scared of the boy under the bed is a really great way of showing children that a lot of fears are just about perspective, while the comforting words of Boo-Dad serve as a reminder that everyone feels afraid sometimes and there's nothing to be ashamed of.

[Ian McHugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely story written from a perspective that youngster will find funny and intriguing.

I'd recommend to read with an adult for young readers. Even though it *is* a "monster tale", the illustrations in the edition I read could be quite frightening to young readers - particularly as much of the early action takes place under a bed.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a big miss for both me and my 5 year old son. It just seemed awkward to read and I really lost his attention. I think the concept of the monster being scared of a little boy was cute and had it been written differently could have been a successful book.

[DiaElla Mar Noun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuando eres un monstruo que no ha aprendido a usar su sonrisa y un niño llega a tu cuarto para asustar lo único que queda es hablar con el abuelo más monstruoso del mundo.
Bien bonita la historia y las viñetas más memorables y únicas.

[E.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I don't rate the books I read to the kids, but this one has a lot of words. Like a lot. So I'm counting it.

Also, it's adorable. An interesting story about reaching across boundaries to meet new kinds of people and also about how to be brave.

[Heron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but not age appropriate, especially for kiddos who think about or are scared of things around their bed.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

BL 3.3
0.5pts

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

A monster kid is afraid of a real kid he finds under his bed. Then decides to make friends with him.

[~♥~ Sil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jajaja

[kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

my kiddo picked this out to read, otherwise would have never picked it up. it was not great

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story but not the pictures.
A twist on the old "There's a Monster in my Closet" story.

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book. It is so much fun to read aloud and my 4 year old son is loving every re-reading. People who cite its difficulty to read aloud maybe just don't have practice adopting a Southern/Cajun accent. I have that practice, and it's so fun to lapse back into it for the book. It's such a sweet premise, too, and has my son's imagination going wild - asking everything from why monsters get up at sunrise to where monsters without tails live (the basement). My son picked this up at the library without my having reserved it or called his attention to it, I think it was the illustrations that drew him in, because he is not yet a reader. So I disagree with reviewers who cite the illustrations as too busy or confusing - I think they are adorable, and especially love the image of Little Bobo curled up with his Godzilla doll in the middle of his bed, scared of the boy underneath. Highly recommend.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a little monster who is a afraid of a little boy who hides under his bed at night. No one believes him, except for his grandpa who tells him what to say to scare the boy away. That night, BoBo ends up talking to the little boy and becoming great friends with him. Turns out that the little boy is playing hide and seek with his brother, who is hiding in the closet. BoBo overcomes his fear while making a new friend in the process as well. It's a great book to teach kids to overcome their fears and to not let people talk down to you. It also teaches children not to be prejudice towards people until you truly know them.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jitterbug Jam is a story with a playful twist on a child’s fear of a monster lurking under their bed at night. Buster is a young monster who is terrified of going to bed in the middle of the day because of the human child he knows is hiding under his bed. His older brother teases him because of his ridiculous claims and refuses to play with him; making Buster not only scared but lonely. After a comforting day-time story from Grandfather Buster he comes up with a plan on how to deal with the human beneath his bed.

A fun read aloud with wonderful illustrations displayed smartly throughout.

[Beth Nieman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This original picture book is a delight. BoBo is a monster child who is afraid of the boy who sneaks under his bed every morning to scare him, just as Bobo is trying to get a good day's sleep. Boo-Dad, Bobo's grandpa, tells Bobo a story that gives him an idea about what to do the next time that little boy comes around. Alexis Deacon's illustrations are so thoughtful and detailed, creating a world like ours, but just a bit different. In soft browns, reds, and yellows, one can't help lingering over them, as if we are looking into an old family album. The text by Barbara Jean Hicks is a lyrical, folksy monster vernacular that rolls off the tongue. Very nicely done!

[Jennifer Coughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super fun-to-read book for those of us who aren't afraid to try a different accent on for size! It's the monster-under-the-bed story turned on its ear, with little Bobo afraid of the pink-skinned boy who visits his room when he's trying to sleep. It's a wonderful way to introduce the concept that we are more alike than we are different in this world, whether or not we have horns on our heads, or talk differently, or any other superficial thing. Unlike some other reviewers, I think that the accent (southern/cajun) adds a lot to the story, and the fact that Bobo's relationship with his brother is not that great is something kids could surely empathize with.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that teaches about friendship. It is also great for diversity since the monster and the human becomes friends in the end. You can teach about facing your fears. It is also great for point of view, since the story is from the monster's point of view. Students can also do creative writing with this. They can write from the brother monster's (Buster) point of view or from their own after they are friends with (Bobo) the little monster. Great boom for students who like stories that are a little different than traditional reads.

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book. Great illustrations, great fun to read aloud because of the rhythmic, slangy text, and a good comfort for kids who are afraid of the dark. Bobo, a little monster, is afraid of the boy who comes out of his closet during the day (when good monsters are supposed to be sleeping) and gets under his bed. The boy is terrifying, with his pink skin and orange "hair." But Bobo soon finds a way to overcome his fears. I may have to buy this one.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bobo the young monster is terrified that there is a boy hiding under his bed. A real-live boy, with pale skin and red fur! His Boo-Dad, grandfather, one day tells him the story of when he met a real-live girl and how he scared her. Finally Bobo gets up the courage to look under his bed and when he does discover a boy hiding under there, he does exactly what his Boo-Dad told him to do; he smiled his scariest smile...

Not a great book; kinda wanders. The kids in storytime couldn't stick with it.