Jazper

by Richard Egielski

After reading the evil moths' book of spells, Jazper learns to morph into an array of household objects and becomes the Amazing Jazper, but when the moths decide to challenge the competition, a battle of wits ensues.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 1998

About the author

Richard Egielski is an American illustrator and writer who has worked on more than fifty children's picture books, eight of which he authored. He received his education at Parson's School of Design.

Egielski's collaboration with Arthur Yorinks resulted in nine picture books, including Hey, Al, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1987. He is also known for his illustrations in The Tub People series by Pam Conrad.

The New York Times named Buz, a book he wrote and illustrated in 1995, one of the top ten best children's books of the year for its illustrations. Jazper, which he illustrated, was also recognized as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 1998.

Reviews

[Amy Spiegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking to get this book for my nephew's children and can't believe it isn't all 5 stars. This is one of my husband and my favorite children's books that we read to our 3 sons. Don't the parents need to be entertained by the book in order to reread the book multiple times? Yes! We quote the book even now (to each other) so many years after raising our sons. It is an unusual story and that is why it is so memorable!!

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jazper and his dad live in Bugtown. Jazper loves to read. When his father is laid up, Jazper knows he must find work. He agrees to house sit for five “weird” moths. He cleans and he reads. One of the books teaches the trick of transformation. He soon is performing for crowds and the moths find out and come after him.

I just love Egielski’s illustrations, but the text ...

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty scary, tbh, so, not for preschoolers probably. But I enjoyed it, and I loved the art, with all the details. Egielski has talent and deserves the Caldecott for Hey, Al.

You can read an archived copy of this for free on openlibrary.org.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My four-year-old son picked this book out from the library this week.

I didn't hate this book, but when I finished reading it, I did say, "That was just weird".

Parts of this book are quite good. Some of the illustrations are dazzling. Some of the story is sweet. I didn't even really mind the weirdness, as long as it was weird for a purpose. But there was no purpose to the weirdness, it was just weird.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really unique and original story, which can either be a big hit or a big flop. This one is memorable, either way. Jazper is a young bug who loves to read but must go make money while his Dad is laid up with an injury. He goes to house-sit for some moths and spends much of his time reading and learning the magic of the moths. In the end, the moths turn out to be pretty ugly characters. Again, a very unique story about a little bug in Bugtown.

[Crystal Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. My Prince did not care for it as much. (id plug a moral.)

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, suspenseful story with large,colorful illustrations.

themes: bugs, family, fathers, ingenuity, magic, sons, unemployment

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted to like it for quirky boy appeal, but just found it too odd in the end.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I ever found in my role as a mother. It was absolutely the perfect book for my child. Even though he has "outgrown" it we are keeping this one for. ever.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to find this for my son Jasper! Loved it!