I needed to up the rating on this one, because I love it more and more as the years go by. I'm not sure what is more appealing -- the wonderful art or the authentic and comforting voice. Such a great story, well told, and oh, Boo Dad! Everyone should have a Boo-Dad. ( )

I remembered seeing this on the shelf of my supervising teacher during my final teaching practicum in undergrad but I didn’t ever read it. When I saw it on the shelf again I picked it up and I’m glad I did. It’s a switch on the “monster” tale trope in that a monster is afraid that a boy is living under his bed. The theme is of life patterns and processes, as the little monster needs to grow up and overcome his fear. The pages are illustrated very well; at times they are paneled like a graphic novel and at other times they are standard illustrations. All of them are subtle watercolors. I liked that it was a different take on a normal fear that a lot of children have and I think it would be good to teach point of view. Parents could also utilize it if their child was having a monster fear at home. ( )

In my opinion this is a very unique, but still enjoyable book. The language and style of writing is what stood out the most. This book is not written in Standard English, it is written with more of a vernacular style. For example, in a conversation between the grandfather and the little monster, the grandfather says, “And you know what? Quick as lickety-split ‘n’ spit-fish, that boy going to cringe, going to quake, going to crumble like a week old cookie!” I thought this was very interesting, as I have never read a book that was not written in Standard English. However, I think it gives the story great character and adds a unique flavor to the story telling. Another thing I liked about the language was the author’s descriptive word choice. She writes, “Everyone’s swiggin’ hot bug juice and scarfin’ big old monster slabs of homemade bread with jitterbug jam like they been starved since half past June!” I thought this was a great way to describe what the monsters’ breakfast was like that morning. There is a lot of room for imagery and imagination in that sentence. I also liked the message of the story which is, if we embrace one another’s differences we can learn, live, and play together as one. Although Bobo the monster has horns and a tail, while the little boy has orange hair, white skin, and no horns or a tail, they still became friends. The author does a good job of making the plot seem real, even though it is fantasy. The setting is in a normal house, for humans, rather than a made up unrealistic house for monsters. Additionally, the monster family in this story does daily activities just like us humans do (eat, go to work, see family, play games, tell stories).

The classic "monster under the bed" story gets turned on its head in this entertaining picture-book from Barbara Jean Hicks, as Bobo, a little horned monster, walks around terrified of the pink-skinned, orange-furred boy lurking under his bed. Can his grandfather, Boo-Dad, convince him to stand up for himself, by relating the story of his own first encounter with a human, and what he learned afterward? Will Bobo succeed in scaring away the intruder? Or will something else - something unexpected - happen, offering a different kind of resolution to the problem...?

This being the kind of story it is - that is to say, a reassurance tale - there's never much doubt as to the outcome of the story, but Hicks' folksy narration (although a little uneven) makes getting there lots of fun. The artwork, done by English artist Alexis Deacon (creator of that adorable little lost alien, Beegu), is expressive, with a real sense of mystery and depth to it. I can see why Jitterbug Jam was chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book! Recommended to anyone looking for bedtime books with a slightly different bent, and to fans of Alexis Deacon. ( )

Summary:
Bobo is a monster and is afraid of a little pink-skinned boy that hides underneath his bed. Bobo decides to tell his grandpa about the little boy under his bed. His grandpa gives Bobo some advice. Bobo's grandpa suggests that he ask the boy if hes new around here, and flash him a smile. Bobo's grandpa tells him this will scare the little boy away. That night Bobo does just as his grandpa said, and instead of scaring the little pink-skinned boy, Bobo and the boy become friends.

Personal Reaction:
Jitterbug Jam is a sweet story that reflects every little kids fear of a monster hiding underneath their bed. The story instead reverses the roles, and tells of a monster fearing a little boy under his bed. Jitterbug Jam is a fun story for children.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
Jitterbug Jam would be a great story to use within the classroom for free time, or for children to use as a take home story to read. The story has great pictures and has a wonderful story line that captures a child's attention. The book also teaches a valuable lesson to children about friendship, and how even people who we think might be scary turn out the be kind and sweet friends.