Jessica: A Heartwarming Story About Imaginary Friends and Making Real Friends at School

by Kevin Henkes

On the first day of kindergarten, can Ruthie find a new friend? Ruthie has a friend only she can see. "There is no Jessica," said Ruthie's parents. But of course there was. She ate with Ruthie, played with Ruthie, and was sorry when Ruthie was bad. When it came time for Ruthie to go to school, Jessica went with her. Her parents hoped Ruthie would find a friend at school who would replace Jessica. They were in for a (happy) surprise! "Ruthie's empowering is one that is one that every small child can understand and celebrate." ( The Horn Book starred review) "Totally satisfying." ( School Library Journal starred review)

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, School, Fiction, Family, Back To School

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Kevin Henkes is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, Olive's Ocean in 2004 and The Year of Billy Miller in 2014. His picture book Waiting was named both a 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book. It was only the second time any author has won that combination of awards.

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘“There is no Jessica,” said Ruthie’s parents. But there was.’

In a story that can be read by most 7 year olds, but can be discussed by the whole family, Henkes gives us a tale of a isolated little girl who insists that she has a friend named Jessica. Jessica does everything with Ruthie and feels much the same about everything. Ruthie holds firm, even in the face of her parents attempts to eliminate Jessica.

When it is time for Ruthie to have her first day at school, she insists that Jessica also go with her. It’s what happens then that Henkes wants us to think about.

[Michelle Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is perfect for little girls who have imaginary friends who happen to have the same name as another girl who wants to be friends. If their imaginary friend has a different name, this book is not helpful.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my second graders and they really enjoyed it, but thought the text was really simple and predictable. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but I wouldn't recommend using this text to promote critical discussion. On a different note, many of the kids could relate to the idea of having no one at home to play with and also had an imaginary friend or pet of some kind that they created to keep them company. The illustrations in this story were small and used talking bubbles, like many of Henke's other books. However, this story used people instead of mice, which is very different from his other books. I like that Henke's writes a lot of relatable children's books that children can talk about and that allow adults to reminisce about their own childhood experiences. Henkes seems to have a good handle on what children care about and are thinking about. I really like his books, although not incredibly deep or challenging, because he writes books children can read, understand and enjoy.

[Jessica Ervien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fav duh.

[Monique Gil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthie Simms didn't have a dog, a cat, or a brother, or a sister. But Jessica was the next best thing. Ruthie and Jessica did everything together, if Ruthie was hungry so was Jessica, if Ruthie was turning 5 so was Jessica. Ruthie's parents did not believe in Jessica, but Ruthie did. One day Ruthie had to start Kindergarten, her and Jessica wanted to go home so badly. Jessica was with Ruthie all throughout her day until they had to line up two by two to visit the bathroom. A girl asked Ruthie if she could be her partner... What do you think Ruthie and Jessica say? Who is this little girl?...
I don't remember myself having an imaginary friend because I do have sisters, a brother, and a few dogs. Jessica shares what a little child does to soothe herself in situations that make her feel uncomfortable, lonely, and nervous. She also displays an active imagination and what it can do for a child. She shows that it is fun even if she is 'lonely'. This book is illustrated and written by Kevin Henkes, it is cute, the pictures don't take up all the white space but they are so colorful and vibrant. I love them!
The way I could incorporate this book into the classroom is first explaining to students that it is okay to feel uncomfortable and cope in their own ways. Second have them understand that sometimes it is okay to meet new friends and get out of their comfort zones. I think this book would be most relatable to K-2nd graders.

[Edward Sojuwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Henkes at his best, and he keeps getting better. Little five year old Ruthie has an imaginary friend named Jessica, and despite her parents' attempts at psychology to bring her back to earth, she refuses to acknowledge that Jessica is imaginary. Ruthie is not ready, not yet, to let go of her "friend", and I think it's more empowering to let kids have imaginary friends until they choose to have real ones. The day finally comes when in school a real girl asks to be her friend....a real Jessica. It's a treat for kids when an author like Henkes has the insight to allow kids the freedom to use imaginary friends to survive the real world until ready to let go. Myself, I currently live with a mental illness that sends the wrong signals to my brain, so I myself have imaginary friends to chase the bad voices back, and so far it seems to work. Will it last? Root for me and send well wishes. I truly appreciate the support.
Four stars
Jessica is as real as it gets!

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another winner from Henkes. The illustrations are very cute, and although nothing super special, fit the story so well. The pictures being tiny make them extra fun. The story about a girl named Ruthie who has an imaginary friend named Jessica, is one that children will relate to, even if they’ve never had any imaginary friends. Lonely only children will no pets will especially understand Ruthie. I love how Ruthie’s beliefs and feelings are taken seriously and also how Ruthie, when her circumstances change, finds a new way to satisfy her need for friendship. I could see the ending coming from a mile away, but that didn’t diminish my pleasure in it; it was entertaining, and satisfying.

[Allie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jessica" is about a little girl named Ruthie who is nervous for her first day of kindergarten. Her invisible friend "Jessica" is her only friend and her support system/comfort. Ruthie's parents insist there is no Jessica, and suggest not "bringing" her along for her first day of school. Once Ruthie is at school she is standing in line and hears one of her classmates introduce herself to Ruthie... and her name was Jessica! This was a start to a great friendship. This is an adorable read. This would be a great book to read in the classroom at the beginning of the school year for kindergartners. Students can relate to this book. Being nervous starting school is a normal feeling into school! "Jessica" shows that school is not so scary, and that you will make friends!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl has an imaginary friend named Jessica. Everyone around her tries to tell her that there is no Jessica but she knows better. Jessica likes everything she likes, and does everything she does. Then she goes to school and has to come to terms with 'there is no Jessica" but is there? Her newest friend's name IS Jessica and she's just like Jessica she loves! A very sweet imaginary friend book.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another treat from the genius that is Henkes! This time, we feature a human girl (as opposed to his usual mice!) and her imaginary friend. As ever, the story is told with great sensitivity to a child's feelings, never making fun of the child for needing an imaginary friend, but gently showing how sometimes that need can be outgrown or filled in another way.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are bright and expressive. They go along perfectly with this book about a bright and expressive little girl with a big imagination. The illustrations really add to the story. Such as the last page, where the text tells you that Ruthie and Jessica become good friends, but the illustrations contain 10 different activities the two of them are doing together.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story! When I was growing up this was my Favorite! My name is Jessica. And even though she's mostly invisible during the story, she is a great character!

[Laurie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about imagination, being an only child, and friendship. Kevin Henkes' books are always great!

[Patricia Strot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly a relatable story about a five year old girl who has pretend friend named Jessica. Of course, I would because at about 3 I had a friend who lived in the calendar. It is more fun to have a real friend but sometimes one is lonely or need someone to blame bad behavior oh, and a million other reasons. My seven-year-old great-granddaughter loved this story and we discussed it at length. So if you want food for thought and discussion with a child this one might be a good one.

[Nicole Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made me sad.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthie's best friend's name is Jessica: she goes everywhere Ruthie goes and does everything Ruthie does. Except, as Ruthie's parents tell her repeatedly, "There is no Jessica!" This brief picture book follows Ruthie as she defends her imaginary friend and braves kindergarten - all with Jessica (whether imaginary, or eventually, real) by her side. As with Henkes' other picture books, there are lots of great side comments made by the characters and I love his illustrative style. I'm partial to his wily mouse character Lily, but Ruthie is a sweet protagonist as well.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica is one of my favorite books to use the first days of school and has part of my classroom library since the early 1990's.

Ruthie is a little girl that has a pretend friend she named Jessica and her parents kept telling her that Jessica isn't real. When she goes to kindergarten she takes Jessica and then she makes friends with another girl in her class that is names Jessica. every class that I have had over the years loves the story and asks for it often.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. I loved how the story progressed, showing how the two friends did everything together. I also thought the ending was quite cute. I would recommend this book.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruthie Simms is a little girl without any siblings or pets, so she creates an imaginary friend - Jessica - to spend her days with. When it's time for Ruthie to go to kindergarten, her parents try to convince her to leave Jessica at home. Ruthie takes Jessica with her, but in the course of the day at school she meets a new friend - a real Jessica.

Cute illustrations.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica is written with perfectly clear understanding of the fears and reflexive comfort producers of young ones, and this deep understanding spreads to the reader's heart. Ruthie and Jessica are Kevin Henkes's finest characters this side of Owen.

Jessica is one of the most winsome, reassuring picture books I have read, a real winner.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica was my favorite name for all my dolls when I was younger 😁
This is a real cute story even if it is pretty predictable. Ruthie has a friend named Jessica that she does everything with but Ruthie’s parent insist that Jessica is not real. Then Ruthie goes to school...

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica
Henkes, Kevin
a cute story about a little girl and her personality

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww! I, like Ruthie, grew up without a dog, siblings, etc. and had a "Jessica" named Tina.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about imaginary friends and making real friends.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kevin Henkes books so much. I remember reading this one in elementary school (when I also had an invisible friend named Joey).

[Ramon Requena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows a little girl who has an imaginary friend with whom she is united to, even to the displeasure of her parents. This story concludes with a sense of maturity and moving on form the main character that fulfills the reader very well. This book is thoughtful while simple.
The media used in this book is of thin colored pencils that stand out in every drawing. The art has a feeling of age that makes the book feel if it was a classic story.
This book, the story, is good for a classroom reading because it can teach students of the importance of friendships and how they can be springboards to greater relationships. This book reaches a personal part of one's past as it discusses how imaginary friends are perceived by others, like parents.

[Chandler Pittman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jessica by Kevin Henkes is about a little girl named Ruthie that had an imaginary friend named Jessica. Everything Ruthie did Jessica would do the same, how Ruthie felt, what she ate, ect.

I think this book is a low quality book. Although it does have a cute ending, the plot line is spread out too much. This book is meant for preschoolers to second grade. It has some good sight words, but over all I do not think I would use this book in my classroom for a less. Possible put it in my classroom library though.

[Jamie Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book while cleaning out boxes from my mother's house after she moved. Mt sister's name is Jessica, so I figured I would read it to see what the book was about. A cute story about a young girl dealing with loneliness and how her imaginary friend Jessica keeps her company throughout all of her adventures and how that imaginary friendship prepares the young girl for her real life friends when she starts school.

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe some books about only children dwell on how they wish they had siblings, but this one does not. Instead it focused on Jessica’s imagination and how she was happy with her imaginary friend and was not upset that she didn’t have any siblings. I liked the pictures in this book and how there is text near the pictures of some characters that is not a direct part of the story, but helps add little details about the characters.