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A Jack Book #2
Jack Blasts Off!
From New York Times bestselling author Mac Barnett and Geisel Award-winning illustrator Greg Pizzoli, an uproarious early reader series about a mischievous rabbit, a cranky old lady, and a lovable dog.
When the Lady is mad at Jack, she decides to send him on a one-way trip to outer space. While she enjoys some rare peace and quiet, Jack and Rex get into trouble, resulting in their exile to the dark side of the moon. After an alien chase and some snacks, Jack and Rex get blasted home to Earth. But will the Lady take naughty Jack back?
Welcome to the laugh-out-loud and irreverent world of Jack, a new early reader series by the New York Times bestselling and award-winning team of Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli.
When the Lady is mad at Jack, she decides to send him on a one-way trip to outer space. While she enjoys some rare peace and quiet, Jack and Rex get into trouble, resulting in their exile to the dark side of the moon. After an alien chase and some snacks, Jack and Rex get blasted home to Earth. But will the Lady take naughty Jack back?
Welcome to the laugh-out-loud and irreverent world of Jack, a new early reader series by the New York Times bestselling and award-winning team of Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2019
8 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Mac Barnett
93 books1,343 followersBorn to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 27, 2019
Love this! Jack and Rex (his dog) learn important lessons about sharing in this fun outer space adventure - wonderful art!
December 2, 2019
I decided to read book 2 even though I didn't like the first book. I mean come on! It's Mac Barnett! I had to give him another chance. Plus it takes place in space! :)
But no. This one felt meaner than the first one. Everyone was mean!
Sorry, Jack. This is where we part ways. This series is not for me.
September 8, 2019
someone from the audience: will Jack ever learn to be good?
Mac: ...no.
Mac: ...no.
September 27, 2019
Honestly, these are just a lot of fun.
September 4, 2024
so many twists and turns!
September 11, 2019
Jack is back (with Rex) and is being blasted into space by the old lady. They meet an alien and he brings them back to earth b/c Jack is not behaving on the dark side of the moon.
May 11, 2019
The story wasn't streamlined and it didn't completely make sense, but I don't know if it is because I haven't read the first three books in the "Jack book" series or because this one tried to be funny with additional characters, but Jack didn't really deserve to get in trouble and then it feels like I lost control as a reader with the introduction of the other characters.
So while I have read enough easy readers to my own boys and it's a quick read and likely will be a good choice with Jack heading to space, but I did not enjoy it.
So while I have read enough easy readers to my own boys and it's a quick read and likely will be a good choice with Jack heading to space, but I did not enjoy it.
December 13, 2021
I read a bunch of these Jack books so I'm going to put the same review for all of them because the ideas are basically the same. The only thing that I'll change is the star rating (rounded up because Goodreads doesn't offer a half star rating)
Jack Blasts Off! - 3.5/5
Too Many Jacks - 4.5/5
Jack at Bat - 4/5
Jack Goes West - 4/5
Jack at the Zoo - 4.5/5
I love the artwork, the simple sentence structure, and the characters. I like that Jack is unapologetically kind of a jerk, but you love him anyway. He's just doing his own thing, which is refreshing when it comes to a children's book series. Not everyone is happy and perfect all the time, even though most, I feel, do have good intentions. Like Jack. He may make messes, he may snack too much, he may be lazy, but you can still see him being a good person in his own way. I like the series, and will look for more. Good contrast to the many Elephant and Piggie books that are incredibly popular in my library.
Jack Blasts Off! - 3.5/5
Too Many Jacks - 4.5/5
Jack at Bat - 4/5
Jack Goes West - 4/5
Jack at the Zoo - 4.5/5
I love the artwork, the simple sentence structure, and the characters. I like that Jack is unapologetically kind of a jerk, but you love him anyway. He's just doing his own thing, which is refreshing when it comes to a children's book series. Not everyone is happy and perfect all the time, even though most, I feel, do have good intentions. Like Jack. He may make messes, he may snack too much, he may be lazy, but you can still see him being a good person in his own way. I like the series, and will look for more. Good contrast to the many Elephant and Piggie books that are incredibly popular in my library.
September 25, 2019
This was the second Jack book we got for my son's birthday from my aunt. My mom purchased the first Jack book for me and my aunt bought the companion book.
I was so excited to read the books, especially since I love the author and my son's name is Jack. I read both of them after his party and was appalled. The first kept calling the character "Bad Jack". I don't want to share that message with my son that he is inherently "bad" just because he does something I don't like. I thought maybe the second book would be different but he is still called "Bad Jack" and even is shipped to another planet by the old lady because she's tired of him. Then, what's worse, is that the aliens get tired of him and force her take him back. So no one likes Jack and he's still "bad". It is not a great message that I want my son to hear.
I was so excited to read the books, especially since I love the author and my son's name is Jack. I read both of them after his party and was appalled. The first kept calling the character "Bad Jack". I don't want to share that message with my son that he is inherently "bad" just because he does something I don't like. I thought maybe the second book would be different but he is still called "Bad Jack" and even is shipped to another planet by the old lady because she's tired of him. Then, what's worse, is that the aliens get tired of him and force her take him back. So no one likes Jack and he's still "bad". It is not a great message that I want my son to hear.
September 1, 2019
Saw Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli at the National Book Festival and they read the book to me!
What can be better than that?!?
This book is so funny and silly. Jack is a pretty bad rabbit but I think kids are going to LOVE that (it's like how Junie B Jones is not well behaved). I'm not sure how much parents will like their kids reading this though, as the kids might pick up some bad habits from Jack. In the second book of the series, I loves the addition of the aliens. It was so fun when the book went something like "the alien said beep bloop" that means "go away."
The book reminds me a bit of Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie series where there are not a lot of words on each page, lots of repetition, and many picture clues so that the book is an easy reader without really seeming like an easy reader.
What can be better than that?!?
This book is so funny and silly. Jack is a pretty bad rabbit but I think kids are going to LOVE that (it's like how Junie B Jones is not well behaved). I'm not sure how much parents will like their kids reading this though, as the kids might pick up some bad habits from Jack. In the second book of the series, I loves the addition of the aliens. It was so fun when the book went something like "the alien said beep bloop" that means "go away."
The book reminds me a bit of Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie series where there are not a lot of words on each page, lots of repetition, and many picture clues so that the book is an easy reader without really seeming like an easy reader.
September 6, 2019
Starts off really funny and just keeps going. A fun early reader with Jack and his dog that is even better than the first. The Old Lady character returns and a couple new alien characters join in the fun for this space adventure.
September 5, 2019
EVERYONE IS TERRIBLE AND IT IS WONDERFUL.
September 6, 2019
I really wanted to like this more than I did. But it rubbed me the wrong way I'm afraid. Jack isn't very likable to me (although I'm sure child readers will like him more). And the Lady sending Jack and Rex away forever because she's mad at them for destroying her books. Children are likely to see the absurdity of this situation for what it is : funny. I just didn't find it so. After landing on the moon, Jack and Rex meet an alien named Zip. It seems at first that they might be friends, but after Jack refuses to share his snacks, and Rex eats one of Zip's tools, Zip sends them to the dark side of the moon. At that point they encounter a scary monster and are forced to flee. Zip rescues them reluctantly and returns them to earth, where he threatens the Lady into taking them back. A book children will likely find funny even though I did not. I wouldn't mind Jack's bad behavior if I didn't get the sense that it is very deliberate, not accidental or an overabundance of enthusiasm or something. No, Jack seems to make his choices very deliberately and without remorse for his unkindness. A series that children will likely find amusing and enjoyable, but not one I feel comfortable recommending.
July 7, 2020
Positives: A refreshing remake of the standard "easy reader;" use of humor; bold illustrations; bonus "how-to-draw" pages at the end
Drawbacks: The main character's behavior is, at times, more than simply mischievous, and the consequences aren't necessarily indicative of what would happen in real life.
Verdict: This series might reach the reluctant reader (perhaps a bit older) who is motivated by seeing a character who finds himself in tough spots (but still manages to get out of them). I could see myself sharing it one-on-one with a student/patron, but not necessarily as a featured read-aloud for a larger group.
Drawbacks: The main character's behavior is, at times, more than simply mischievous, and the consequences aren't necessarily indicative of what would happen in real life.
Verdict: This series might reach the reluctant reader (perhaps a bit older) who is motivated by seeing a character who finds himself in tough spots (but still manages to get out of them). I could see myself sharing it one-on-one with a student/patron, but not necessarily as a featured read-aloud for a larger group.
August 8, 2020
"Jack blasts off" and "Jack Goes West" ended up on our library request list because we were looking for other projects involving Greg Pizzoli (though this is as illustrator, rather than author). Miss 6 thought these books were funny but I didn't like the moral messaging - the characters are mean (and in Jack Goes West they end up running off with stolen money from a heist). We won't be reading any more books from this series.
Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
February 15, 2024
The grumpy old lady (The Lady) becomes annoyed with her naughty rabbit (Jack) and her not-so-great-either dog (Rex). She blasts them into space... all the way to the moon.
Once they land on the moon they meet Zip. He thinks he was there first. He thinks he also has the right to plant his flag. After some conflict over all this, Zip becomes friends with Rex, then Jack.
Mad adventures ensue. Once Jack and Rex return home, the big question is... with The Lady take them back?
Phew, an amazing plot twist ensures a happy ending.
FIVE STARS of fun. Mac Barnett, author, and Greg Pizzoli, artist, make this reading practice a delightful rump.
Once they land on the moon they meet Zip. He thinks he was there first. He thinks he also has the right to plant his flag. After some conflict over all this, Zip becomes friends with Rex, then Jack.
Mad adventures ensue. Once Jack and Rex return home, the big question is... with The Lady take them back?
Phew, an amazing plot twist ensures a happy ending.
FIVE STARS of fun. Mac Barnett, author, and Greg Pizzoli, artist, make this reading practice a delightful rump.
September 30, 2019
Even funnier and better than the first one! I love how these two challenge conventions in books for younger readers. It looks like the series has gotten mixed reviews. I wonder if we have another "Junie B scenario" on our hands. The key to this kind of humor is whether or not the intended audience are in on the joke. The Jack books are so absurd, I find it hard to believe they wouldn't be (my son would have LOVED these when he was 7) but every kid is different. That's why it's important for parents to be involved in what their kids are reading!!
December 9, 2019
The lady is fed up with Jack and Rex's destructive tendencies so she launches them into space. Jack and Rex land on the moon where they have to learn about sharing.
I'm not entirely sure that Jack and Rex have learned their lessons. It is up for debate a little bit. I'm kind of with the old lady on this one. Launching them into space was very reasonable. Still not thrilled with this new series by Barnett, but I do like Pizzoli's illustrations.
I'm not entirely sure that Jack and Rex have learned their lessons. It is up for debate a little bit. I'm kind of with the old lady on this one. Launching them into space was very reasonable. Still not thrilled with this new series by Barnett, but I do like Pizzoli's illustrations.
December 26, 2021
I find these books hilarious.
A lot of people seem concerned about them being mean, or not having good morals.
I don't think every book needs a moral. And I don't think they're mean, I think they're honest. Because let's face it, most kids don't immediately have remorse and learn to be better. They're little punks who look you in the eye and then deliberately do it again.
But yes, I love them all, this one is probably my favorite.
A lot of people seem concerned about them being mean, or not having good morals.
I don't think every book needs a moral. And I don't think they're mean, I think they're honest. Because let's face it, most kids don't immediately have remorse and learn to be better. They're little punks who look you in the eye and then deliberately do it again.
But yes, I love them all, this one is probably my favorite.
July 29, 2025
Oh man, Jack is an absolute menace. He’s even annoying the hell out of aliens now. I can admit that while this made me laugh, it would give me pause to have a child read it because I wouldn’t want them to think that being mean is funny and thus okay. Though maybe it acts as a vicarious learning moment of why we shouldn’t be mean to one another. In any case, I enjoyed it as an adult who already knows those things!
October 29, 2019
Jack misbehaves one too many times and gets sent to the moon as punishment. He meets an alien when their ships crash together. Hilarity ensues.
I feel like this would be fun for school age storytime, but also a great recommendation for beginning readers. It's so silly, and Pizzoli's art really works here.
I feel like this would be fun for school age storytime, but also a great recommendation for beginning readers. It's so silly, and Pizzoli's art really works here.
January 6, 2020
My 6 year old who is practicing his reading enjoys this series of books. There’s repetition of words and gives him the feeling of reading a chapter book. He also got to meet and interact with Mac Barnett & Greg Pizzoli at school, so Jack holds a special place in his heart. Jack is naughty but I think he’s still likable.
November 2, 2021
This is a book for beginning readers and features a small vocabulary, but it still manages to be engaging and hilarious. We have checked it out of the library so many times we really should just own it. My kindergartener can read some of it himself, my fourth grader will stop what he is doing to listen, and we all laugh together. So seldom do you find such an engaging book for beginners.
April 10, 2024
Youngest kid wanted this for bedtime; oldest kid advised against it. We tried a couple pags before throwing in the towel. Later, I read it on my own, convinced there had to be something more going on.
Nope, just lots of characters being angry at each other.
my favorite quote:"The art is great. The cakes? They're OK."
Nope, just lots of characters being angry at each other.
my favorite quote:"The art is great. The cakes? They're OK."
September 20, 2019
Early reader for the elementary level.
I didn't care for the premise that Jack and Rex are banished forever. However, young readers will enjoy the humor throughout as Jack meets other characters and causes problems in space.
I didn't care for the premise that Jack and Rex are banished forever. However, young readers will enjoy the humor throughout as Jack meets other characters and causes problems in space.
October 5, 2019
Hilarious!
Publication on this book was pushed back at some point, and I thought Jack was a monkey in earlier images of the series. Did they change him to a rabbit due to Jeff Mack’s Mr. Monkey series?
Publication on this book was pushed back at some point, and I thought Jack was a monkey in earlier images of the series. Did they change him to a rabbit due to Jeff Mack’s Mr. Monkey series?
December 12, 2019
Naughty Jack gets sent to outer space by the Old Lady because she is done with him and his antics. On the moon, he meets some space aliens, one who he befriends, and another that terrifies him. In the end, his alien friend brings him home. Jack is not my favorite character...
December 19, 2019
For ease of reading this would be great, but it was a bit too mean spirited for my taste. I know kids (and my coworkers) will think it's funny, but sending her dog to the moon for misbehavior with no return trip allowed doesn't seem to be a good message to send to children.
June 30, 2020
This is the most ridiculous Jack book yet. Lady gets fed up with him and sends him to space. Eventually, even aliens get tired of him and demand Lady take him back and for some reason she does.
My son adores these books, but I really don't care for them.
My son adores these books, but I really don't care for them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews