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Jibberwillies at Night (by Rachel Vail)

common sense media says

Comforting solution for kids who fear monsters.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this book about a happy little girl, her loving mother, and how they deal with nighttime fears is uplifting, pleasant, and comforting.

Positive messages: Comforting mother helps daughter deal with nightime monsters.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Jibberwillies at Night

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about fears. This book is the perfect springboard for talking about how to deal with childhood fears, especially the monsters lurking under the bed. Who were the jibberwillies? How do you think they got that name? Why did they scare the little girl some of the time, but not all the time? What did the girl do when she was afraid? Have you ever tried to be brave, but just couldn't be brave enough? Who did you ask for help? How did Katie's mom try to help her? What different things did she try? What finally worked? What kinds of things help you when you are afraid?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Katie Honors is a energetic, active kid who enjoys life, and can even "comfortable" herself to bed each night ... usually. However, once in awhile when the jibberwillies creep into her room, she needs her mom's help. Together they come up with a clever and effective solution that involves a bucket and an open window.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This is a vibrantly colored book with captivating illustrations, expressive language, and a message that is as soothing and loving as being held in your mother's arms. Kids will enjoy the upbeat energy created by whimsical characters and bright yellows, reds, and blues of Yumi Heo's collage and painted artwork, and they won't feel scared ... even when the jibberwillies invade the bedroom. They will also enjoy that the story is told in language that is both beautiful and playful at the same time.

Rachel Vail really has her finger on the pulse of kid emotion here. Facing nighttime fears and monsters in the closet or under the bed are things many families face at one time or another. And, even good, happy, self-assured kids get scared sometimes. However, if parents can do what this mother did, they will find their monsters disappear almost as easily as the jibberwillies.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Rachel Vail
Illustrator: Yumi Heo
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: October 1, 2008
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 6
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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