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Sam & Jump
From the illustrator of Two Speckled Eggs comes a charming story of friends, old and new, and a story for anyone who has ever loved, and lost, their most special toy. Sam and his stuffed bunny, Jump, are the best of friends. They do everything together. One day, on a trip to the beach, Sam meets Thomas. Sam and Thomas play together all day long. But when Sam gets home, he realizes he left Jump at the beach! Itâ€s late and dark – much too late and dark to go find him – and Sam worries all night long. What if Jump is nowhere to be found? Can Sam really brave the world without his very best friend? Little ones with their own favourite toy will be drawn to this sweet, reassuring story about losing something dear only to find something – or someone – even better.Please ask if you need a specific version. The data provided here may not be correct. With buying and not asking you are accepting the book as is.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2016
1 person is currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer K. Mann
13 books24 followersJennifer K. Mann was an architect before turning to children’s books full time. Two Speckled Eggs is the first book that she has written and illustrated. She lives on an island near Seattle with her husband, children, cats, dogs, and chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 13, 2017
Sam and Jump are best friends. They go everywhere together, and do everything together. This is because Jump is Sam’s favourite teddy bear, a white rabbit, with pink ears.
On a trip to the beach, Sam made a new friend called Thomas. The two played all day together. When it was time to go home, Sam forgot to pick up Jump, by the time he had realised the family were nearly home, and it was too late to go back to the beach, it would have to wait until tomorrow.
Will Jump still be there when Sam returns?
To those parents who children have a favourite teddy, doll, etc, that they take everywhere with them, this book will definitely resonate with you.
My youngest son, even though he is now eleven, still has his favourite teddy, ‘Pooh Bear’. He sleeps with it on his bed, when he is sick, he wants it, and it still comes on holiday with us. ‘Pooh Bear’ is essentially part of our family, and I know how devastated my son would be if he were to lose his teddy.
You only have to look at social media posts of parents trying to locate their child’s toy, that they cannot be without, to know how important that these items are to there children.
The plot is wonderfully executed, and the author has captured the emotions that Sam was feeling perfectly, both in words, and illustrations.
There are not many words on each page, meaning that this book would be great for new readers. It would also be just as lovely as a bedtime story.
An adorable, sweet, tale, filled with heartfelt emotions that children will be able to understand. It was a delight to read, and the ending fitted the story perfectly.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
On a trip to the beach, Sam made a new friend called Thomas. The two played all day together. When it was time to go home, Sam forgot to pick up Jump, by the time he had realised the family were nearly home, and it was too late to go back to the beach, it would have to wait until tomorrow.
Will Jump still be there when Sam returns?
To those parents who children have a favourite teddy, doll, etc, that they take everywhere with them, this book will definitely resonate with you.
My youngest son, even though he is now eleven, still has his favourite teddy, ‘Pooh Bear’. He sleeps with it on his bed, when he is sick, he wants it, and it still comes on holiday with us. ‘Pooh Bear’ is essentially part of our family, and I know how devastated my son would be if he were to lose his teddy.
You only have to look at social media posts of parents trying to locate their child’s toy, that they cannot be without, to know how important that these items are to there children.
The plot is wonderfully executed, and the author has captured the emotions that Sam was feeling perfectly, both in words, and illustrations.
There are not many words on each page, meaning that this book would be great for new readers. It would also be just as lovely as a bedtime story.
An adorable, sweet, tale, filled with heartfelt emotions that children will be able to understand. It was a delight to read, and the ending fitted the story perfectly.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
March 31, 2021
A sweet tale of devotion, and the joys of adding to one's circle of friends. With adorable illustrations by the author.
April 17, 2018
This is a really sweet and simple tale that many kids will relate to. Sam and his best friend Jump, a cuddly toy rabbit, do everything together. Like many kids with their toys, Sam is very attached to Jump and one day they go to the beach where they have fun together, until Sam meets Thomas. Sam and Thomas end up enjoying the rest of the afternoon together at the beach, but when it’s time to go home Sam forgets poor Jump and doesn’t know what to do.
It’s hard not to spoil the ending of this story as it’s such a short and simple tale, but it has a really happy ending and I couldn’t help but smile at what happens. I really enjoyed this paperback picture book. It’s a little smaller than A4 in size and filled with thick colourful pages that have such simple illustrations. I really liked these pictures, they are so simple and yet really show the story well. They look like simple pencil drawings and that along with the font used in the book has a childlike appearance that I really enjoyed.
A lot of children have a favourite toy and can relate to losing that toy, or the idea of losing it, which is why I think a lot of children would like this book. It’s so simple and gives a happy, uplifting ending for what kids may sometimes experience. I certainly would have loved this book as a child and would definitely recommend it to others.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy.
It’s hard not to spoil the ending of this story as it’s such a short and simple tale, but it has a really happy ending and I couldn’t help but smile at what happens. I really enjoyed this paperback picture book. It’s a little smaller than A4 in size and filled with thick colourful pages that have such simple illustrations. I really liked these pictures, they are so simple and yet really show the story well. They look like simple pencil drawings and that along with the font used in the book has a childlike appearance that I really enjoyed.
A lot of children have a favourite toy and can relate to losing that toy, or the idea of losing it, which is why I think a lot of children would like this book. It’s so simple and gives a happy, uplifting ending for what kids may sometimes experience. I certainly would have loved this book as a child and would definitely recommend it to others.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy.
August 2, 2016
I rate picture books often by how they read and how my kids react - and they loved it. It's a simple, fun read and my kids were both totally caught up in the story. "Oh no!" they said, pointing to Jump as Sam walked from the beach. Gasps abound. It's a fun little tale that most parents can relate to.
May 1, 2016
Sweet charmer about friendship(s). Also, the relatable horror of losing a stuffed animal-best friend—Sam's expression and response to that is pitch perfect.
October 20, 2017
Cute book about a favorite toy and friends. I love the simplicity and heart found in this book. Love it!
June 23, 2018
If I had to describe Jennifer K. Mann's picture book, Sam and Jump in just one word it would be...adorable!
Sam and Jump tells the story of a little boy, Sam and his treasured stuffed bunny named Jump. In very few words, the story accurately portrays the special relationship between a young child and his or her most favourite toy. Jump is not just a toy, Jump is a friend and when Jump gets left behind, Sam has a very difficult night being separated from his beloved friend. At the same time, the story features a new friendship Sam develops with another little boy. The story is of kindness, of overcoming challenges, of friendship, inclusiveness, and just plain fun.
I'm often looking for appropriate and yet interesting books to read to my 2-3 year olds that will still be interesting for the older 4 and 5 year olds in my preschool class. This picture book fits the bill perfectly. I find it to be a relatable story that all children can enjoy. It holds their interest all the way through to a satisfying ending.
Sam and Jump tells the story of a little boy, Sam and his treasured stuffed bunny named Jump. In very few words, the story accurately portrays the special relationship between a young child and his or her most favourite toy. Jump is not just a toy, Jump is a friend and when Jump gets left behind, Sam has a very difficult night being separated from his beloved friend. At the same time, the story features a new friendship Sam develops with another little boy. The story is of kindness, of overcoming challenges, of friendship, inclusiveness, and just plain fun.
I'm often looking for appropriate and yet interesting books to read to my 2-3 year olds that will still be interesting for the older 4 and 5 year olds in my preschool class. This picture book fits the bill perfectly. I find it to be a relatable story that all children can enjoy. It holds their interest all the way through to a satisfying ending.
March 14, 2018
it has nice illustration and that's it. Its missing dialogue or some story narrative. I was even trying to find page as i was sure that there SHOULD be something in between.
The whole concept and main idea of the book is nice and it will talk to children emotion. We just need to (as parents) add more value to the book so it will be interesting to kids.
So 2 stars for the idea and illustration.
The whole concept and main idea of the book is nice and it will talk to children emotion. We just need to (as parents) add more value to the book so it will be interesting to kids.
So 2 stars for the idea and illustration.
July 6, 2018
Gentle story without much text. Boy does everything with his stuffed animal and then meets a new friend at the beach. Jump, the bunny, is missing and the boy is very anxious. Should be very relatable to parents and young students. Some diversity with a child of color, but doesn’t show on the cover.
September 11, 2018
Beautiful illustrations and sweet story about a little boy and his stuffed rabbit best friend, who he accidentally loses at the beach.
The kids liked this story and you could tell they were emotionally invested in the outcome.
Afterwards there was discussion about how they would not like to lose their favorite stuffies.
The kids liked this story and you could tell they were emotionally invested in the outcome.
Afterwards there was discussion about how they would not like to lose their favorite stuffies.
April 27, 2020
Great book for friends and understanding another friend. Cute book. I love Jennifer's art. I do think she has the benefit of providing a dummy with her work so it is a little easier to see everything her manuscript has to offer without art notes, etc. I usually read all of her books together so show her as an author study. Similar with different stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
Cute book that kids should be able to relate to. Sam and his rabbit Jump are best friends. But when Sam makes a new friend will Jump be forgotten?
Illustrations are colorful and, although I wasn't that impressed by them, I think most children will appreciate them.
Illustrations are colorful and, although I wasn't that impressed by them, I think most children will appreciate them.
September 3, 2019
I loved this book so much. This story is easy to read and has a deep message. Perfect for the emergent storybook reading in Kindergarten and to use as a fiction mentor text in grades K-2. This book is going into my coaching bag.
January 16, 2017
A lovely book about friendship. Sweet and simple. Lovely pictures. Great for those who love Knuffle Bunny.
August 18, 2017
This is a pure, simple story of friendship. It is a perfect story for writing teachers to use with their students to demonstrate the arc of a story.
August 25, 2017
Predictable, perhaps, but a sweet story nonetheless.
February 28, 2018
A cute story about how a boy loses his favorite toy and making new friends.
August 29, 2019
Perfect primary writing text for small moment. Illustrations capture what young writers think and might not write. Thanks to Jess Carey for this recommendation.
December 10, 2019
I liked this book. There is a sweet simplicity in both text and illustrations, but both convey much more complex emotions and ideas.
April 7, 2021
Nice story
January 3, 2023
Sam and Jump (doll) go to the beach and make friends with Thomas. Sam loses Jump at the end of the day and goes to find Jump
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
Simple, short story of friendship and stuffies
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December 13, 2025Kindergarten
March 20, 2017
Very sweet story with lovely illustrations. Captures the relationship between a child and a stuffed animal.
March 1, 2017
Reminds me ALOT of Knuffle Bunny. A little too much....
January 17, 2017
For fans of Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity or the more recent Henry & Leo, this will certainly ring familiar. A child whose best friend is a stuffed animal, accidentally leaves his beloved toy behind at an outing. He worries that it's lost, and the family returns to where it was left the next day to search it out. In this book though, there is a new friend that he met on the outing. The new friend plays a central role in the outcome of the story and all is not only well, but better than it was before the disaster by book's end. This was simple, but effective.
May 11, 2016
Sam's greatest friend is his stuffed animal Jump. They share all kinds of adventures and one day they head to the beach where they make a new friend who they do all starts of things with until it's time to go home. But at the end of day Sam realizes that he has forgotten Jump at the beach. Unable to retrieve him until the next day, Sam faces a night of worry and when they get back to the beach the next day and can't find Jump, Sam is sad and nothing seems quite right. Until his new friend comes along and has a big surprise for him. This is a very sweet book about new and old friendships and would make a great addition to a toddler's bookshelf.
August 22, 2017
An okay offering, though not something I'm enraptured with. It reminds me a bit of "Knuffle Bunny, Too," but just extra-saccharine. A young boy is best friends with his stuffed animal, until one day he plays with a new friend at the beach and forgets his bunny when it's time to go home. Of course, all is well, and we get an extra-cutesy ending.
This honestly feels like more of a picture book for the parents than the kids. So if you're looking for a baby shower gift, this might fit, but it's going to be hit-and-miss with the kids, as they get old enough to pick their stories. I'd say give it a try from a library before making final purchase decisions.
This honestly feels like more of a picture book for the parents than the kids. So if you're looking for a baby shower gift, this might fit, but it's going to be hit-and-miss with the kids, as they get old enough to pick their stories. I'd say give it a try from a library before making final purchase decisions.
August 14, 2016
Sam and Jump are best friends who do everything together. Sam is a little boy; Jump is a stuffed white bunny. One day they go to the beach. There they meet a new friend, Thomas. When Sam returns home that evening, Jump is no where to be found. Oh no! This book is about friendship -- specifically how having a new friend join a duo can initially cause a bit of drama. But the good news is that it is possible for everyone to become friends. ***spoiler alert*** No bunnies are harmed in this book. It is just bad thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews