Hey Jack! The Bravest Kid

Hey Jack! #15

by Sally Rippin

When Jack hurts his ankle, he tries really hard not to cry. He's not a baby! Surely he can be braver than that! This early reader series featuring Billie B. Brown's best friend, Jack, is full of down-to-earth, real-life, fun and funny stories that boys can enjoy and relate to. With word art or illustrations on every second page, and no huge blocks of text or intimidating words, they're perfect for newly independent readers.

Genres: Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Sally Rippin was born in Darwin, but grew up mainly in South-East Asia. As a young adult she lived in China for three years, studying traditional Chinese painting. Sally has over seventy books published, many of them award-winning, including two novels for young adults. Her most recent work includes the highly acclaimed children’s novel Angel Creek and the popular Billie B Brown books, which became the highest selling series for 6-8 year olds in Australia within the first year of their release. Sally is Australia’s highest selling female author and her Billie B Brown books have sold more than 4.5 million copies in 14 languages.
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Sally is a popular presenter in schools and at literary festivals both in Australia and overseas and has a regular program on 3RRR interviewing children’s authors and industry professionals. She is a passionate ambassador for the 100 Story Building creative writing centre for marginalized youth and has mentored many emerging writers and illustrators. Recently, she and her partner co-founded Story Peddlers, a hand-made performance tent that packs away into a custom-built bike, with the aim of bringing back the art of the roving storyteller.

Reviews

[B-Mak · Rating 4 out of 5]

7yo review: "I just liked it. It was fun. I liked Jack and would like to read more of his books." (GR-J, 510L)

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just such a great little series, with fabulous illustrations as well by Stephanie Spartels. Rather than being simply plot-driven, you really get into the thoughts and feelings of young Jack, as he navigates everyday life with his 'bestie' Billie next door, and the family.
This series is for beginner readers who are on the way to coping with chapter books, but needing something bite-sized before they get there. Sally Rippin is able to wrap up a complete, satisfying story in just over 1,000 words. These books can be enjoyed by, and build confidence in, younger primary school kids.

[Elena Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well he went camping.But will his
Adventures take him to far?

[Lauren Millard · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Review and rating given by my 6 year old after reading together)

“I like this because it’s okay to cry sometimes!”

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this series is decent for reading with students to go over various emotions.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack has to learn that crying is a natural response our bodies have when we hurt, not a weakness.

Series review: My five year old son is an advanced reader but most chapter books are not engaging enough for him without pictures. This is the perfect series for him. Slightly more words per page, but a still a relatively short book and illustrations dispersed throughout. I think it’s a great transition series from picture books to chapter books. A companion series is Billie B. Brown, which is about Jack’s best friend, Billie (who is a girl).

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

15 - Sally Rippin, “Hey Jack! The Bravest Kid” (Richmond, Victoria, Aust: Hardie Grant Egmont, 2014).
“He doesn't want Billie to see him crying. She might think he isn't brave.” (p16)
“There's nothing wrong with being scared. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to say that you are scared.” - Jack's Mum (p27)
“I think you're super brave!” - Billie (p39)