The Jester Has Lost His Jingle

by David Saltzman, Maurice Sendak (Afterword)

In this charming tale, The Jester awakes one morning to find laughter missing in his kingdom and he and his helpmate, Pharley, set off on a quest to find it. They ultimately discover that not only can laughter redeem a weary world, it also can provide the best tonic for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Written in captivating rhyme with vibrant, full-color illustrations that bring The Jester & Pharley's adventures to life.
Esteemed Author-Artist Maurice Sendak wrote the Afterword, David was a natural craftsman and storyteller. His passionate picture book is issued out of a passionate heart. David's Jester soars with life.
Doonesbury creator Garry Trudeau praises the story A sweet fable about a cheerful soul who temporarily loses faith in himself, but ultimately reaffirms his true calling -- helping others discover the joy within themselves. Read it and smile.
Actress-Comedienne Carol Burnett The Jester Has Lost His Jingle is a magical story that captures the healing power of laughter.
Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, David's book gives us a lot to think about. It has certainly done that for me.
Awards and honors
Moms Choice Philanthropic Gold Award; Seal of Excellence Creative Child Magazine; Intergenerational Generations United; Dr. 100 Best Children s Products & 10 Best Socially Responsible Childrens Products; Caring For Children Recognition of Excellence Toy Industry Association/Toy Industry Foundation; Honor National Assn. Parenting Publications

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Fantasy

64 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1995

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was self-published by a family whose son, David Saltzman, wrote it before he died of Hodgkin's Disease. I read it to my daughter Katie who had a lot in common in with him; we both cried at the end. Imagine my horror when I read his biography and we realized he died on the day Katie was born.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are alright, the story is written in rhyme, however the story seems rather forced and artificial. This was written by a young man who later died of cancer. That is sad, and perhaps he would have developed into a more accomplished author, but this first effort wasn't so great.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute book and such an important message, too!

[Peggy Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I'm reading this book to my 7 year old last night and about half way through I'm trying to decide whether or not to keep going or stop. I'm thinking - wow. I think this book is well-meaning, but in my opinion - it preaches at, frightens and confuses children. Ok, so the Jester gets banished because the King has lost his sense of humor - but why? It never explains. And he comes to the city where he runs into a homeless man who wants to know why he should smile or laugh when he has no job, no money, no food, no anything - well, it's a good question. Why should he? There was an opportunity for a very thoughtful answer, but the answer given seems to be just because... Just because? That rings hollow for children as well as adults. He doesn't show us anything to laugh about besides some weird jester act which he doesn't even show to the homeless guy. Now, I got to the end and I read all about the author and he sounds like an intelligent, well-meaning, great guy who died way before his time. Really. And I can see where he was coming from and I get the point - but I don't like the way it was presented. No, I don't think any children will be scarred from reading this book - but, seriously, I don't think many will like it either. And I highly doubt any will laugh.

[Asya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am to read this book to kindergarteners and I don't know how to do it in a cheerful way. It doesn't even explain how he got his jingle back, it just happened? People don't laugh for no reason.
I understand the purpose of it but this book is not for early childhood children. But of course I will find a way how to introduce it.
I will not read it to my 4 year old, it can wait until he is 10 or something.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an incredible "behind the scenes" story that will inspire you. Read about the author, you will be so incredibly glad you did. And then take to heart the lesson he taught through this amazing, one-of-a-kind story!

[Becky Galambos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the book you need finds you in the most unexpected places. In this case, the children's book table at the JCC summer book sale on fill-a-bag day. I was filling bags for little free libraries. But this one is staying with me. The Jester thinks he has lost his jingle and goes on a quest to find it. A reminder than laughter is essential and can make things better even when life sucks. I needed that.

[Terry]

Warm colors and great rhyme combine flawlessly in this picture book that gently reminds everyone about the power of positive action/thought.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the artwork but the real story here is that David Saltzman was a talented young man who seems to have had such great promise as an artist and author, and his family wanted to give this gift to the world. David died before his 23rd birthday.

[Rick Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Played this in the background randomly while kids are writing poetry. We just just talked about ballads and this uses the 4-line stanza with a rhyme pattern at the end end of line 2 and 4 so it was a good pick to play in the background.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In rhyme and wonderful illustrations, this is a story about a jester for whom no one laughed anymore. The king said the jester had lost his jingle. Jester travelled around trying to find out why everybody he met was no longer laughing, and one day he found a way to bring laughter back.

[Ivy Cowan]

When I was a little kid I was put in grief therapy and the only thing I remember from it was the therapist reading this book to me all the freaking time. Needless to say I did not enjoy it and would complain to my mom about the "book with the jester guy that didn't make sense"

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book whose message is just as applicable today as it was when it published in 1995. Wonderful illustrations as well.

[William Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet book. Powerful message, especially in these times. Beautiful illustrations. Bravo.

[Erika C. Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps my bias for this book, a childhood favorite of mine, is the justification of a high rating. In a world of isolation and violence, this book was my friend.

[michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rhyming was delightful and the story insightful. It was heartbreaking to hear the author passed away so young.

[Hope Gockenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a court jester who isn’t able to make the kind laugh anymore. He is banished from the castle and he sets off on a journey to find out where laughter is. First he travels all across that land, looking near and far, high and low, and everywhere else he can think of, for laughter. But he can’t find it anywhere. He travels farther still and finds himself in a big city full of people who are not laughing. He asked a homeless man and a working man, and both tell him that the world is much too hard a place to laugh. Eventually he makes his way into a hospital, and finds a little girl alone in her room laying in her hospital bed. He asks her why she isn’t laughing, and she tells him that she is very sick and she feels more like crying than laughing. He tells her his secret; that when he feels like crying, he does his best to make everyone else laugh, and then he feels better too. That’s when he learns that laughing is hidden deep inside everyone, and it needs to find a way to come out. He joyfully travels back to the kingdom with the wonderful news for the king. And soon the kingdom was laughing along with the jester.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

"David's book gives us a lot to think about. it has cerainly done that for me." -Charles Schulz, Creator of "Peanuts"

"The Jester Has Lost His Jingle is a magical story that captures the healing power of laughter." -Carol Burnett

"David was a natureal craftsman and storyteller. His passionate picture book is issued out of a passionate heart. David's Jester soars with life." -Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are

"A sweet fable about a cheerful soul who temporarily loses faith in himself, but ultimately reaffirms his true calling-helping others discover the joy within themselves. Read it and smile." -Garry Trudeau, Creator of "Doonesbury"

The story of the Author David Saltzman is inspiring.

When you read this book don't miss the 'Afterword' writen by Maurice Sendak(author/artist of Where the Wild Things Are).

I wish David could have produced more books. The Jester Has Lost His Jingle is beautiful, with its story and pictures.

[Jeff Botch · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Saltzman’s book, “The Jester Has Lost His Jingle,” is an excellent book that teaches children and adults the importance of a positive attitude and laughter.

The main character is a Jester that discovers that everyone has lost their sense of humor and he goes on a journey to find out why there is no laughter.

My favorite part of the book is when Saltzman writes, “Then it isn’t me at all! It’s the world that must be sick. We must find that sense of humor, and bring it back here quick!”

On his journey he discovers that people are dealing with “Real” issues (ie…depression, poverty, sickness, etc…) and he takes it upon himself to help people find their “Jingle.”

The message of this book is very positive and it helps the reader to value laughter and a positive attitude.

The illustrations are beautifully done and your child is sure to love this colorful and valuable book.

I highly recommend “The Jester Has Lost His Jingle.”

[Almak · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Jester Has Lost His Jingle was written by a young college student by the name of David Saltzman, an English and Art major at Yale.

The story centers on a Jester who is banished from the kingdom due to laughter being lost and sets off on an adventure to find laughter and bring it back.

The reading is rhythmically alliterative and fun for kids and the illustrations are colorful, those dealing with the kingdom being my favorites.

One small shortcoming, being a children's book, is the length of 42 pages.

The author, David Saltzman, died of Hodgkin's disease shortly before his 23rd birthday. It is most evident that he left behind what he felt was most important in life within the pages of this story.

[Sarah Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can still remember the day that I bought this book. It was at the school book fair when I was in the second grade. The Jester Has Lost His Jingle is the very first book that I picked out and bought by myself. It is a heartwarming tale of a jester who goes out in search of laughter after everyone in his kingdom failed to laugh at his act. He finds the laughter in the hospital room of a little girl with cancer. She was sad at first but after the jester does his act, she lets out a giggle. I love this book! I hold its message close to my heart. Whenever I'm feeling down, I just remember that the laughter is still there. The laughter is still in me somewhere, just like the jester said.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the book I needed while I've been dealing with such sad and depressing emotions--all of which I can and should be changing myself. I like the rhyming, the author did a great job with that. I liked the illustrations, the colors, the expressions. It isn't the most fantastic book. But it is the message that hit home the most with me. I liked the lesson within. But I think what really sealed the book as being heartwarming, touching, and impressive was then learning the background of the book and also the author. Wow. I would like to own this one. I would read it every time I was feeling low to remind myself that I can make me happy.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children and I really enjoyed this book, and found the rhymes to be fun and the story to be uplifting. It's become a new favorite. It gently broaches the subjects of sadness and sickness in the world, and the healing power of laughter and joy. I really respect what Barbara Saltzman and The Jester & Pharley Phund are doing to keep spreading David Saltzman's message of hope by giving books and cute jester dolls to sick children. I encourage parents to buy a copy for their kids or contribute today to help lift the spirits of children who are dealing with issues much too serious for their age, and who need a little extra laughter in their lives.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will bring tears to your eyes. Our school did a project for the Jester & Pharley program based on this book. Every child should have this book read to them so they remember how they can make a difference in the lives of others.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book a million and one stars, I would. :P It is just such a cute and fun to read story. It teaches so many lessons and is brilliant. I reccommend that everyone buy this book and keep it. ^_^

[Andreia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our home library favorites. My son met David Saltzman's parents when he was a wee one of 6. We've been trying to never lose our "Jingle" ever since (although at times it has been misplaced).

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about seeing the joy in life - even during pain.

[Sophie Leddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely, maybe never has a children's book effected me like this one. Open it somewhere you can have a moment to yourself. There are no more where it came from.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this a long, long time ago. Way back, before I was married.
Tonight I read it to "the boy".