Jack's Jumper

A heartfelt yarn exploring the bonds of brotherhood and the ties that bind, told with humour and warmth – now in paperback.

Jack’s jumper is special because it can be many things – a den, a hat, a hug – but most of all it is special because it belonged to Jack’s big brother, Paul. Jack wears the jumper every day, but when forced to take it off to have a bath, the cat sees a comfy new bed . . .

This book is beautifully gentle and evocative story captures the joyful brotherly connection, even when there is a rather large age gap. The cheekiness of cats, and the creativity of people to come up with solutions that will make something new and just as magical, that will reinforce the brotherly connection that Jack and Patrick have. This delightful book captured my imagination and is one of those comforting reads that reassures us that there is often a solution when things don’t go our way, or when they break. It’s a touching story that can help settle anxiety in people of all ages – it made me feel calmer about things whilst reading it. It is also a great book to help build reading confidence in early readers, or to read as a family. It makes it perfect for all ages, and has the feeling of a future classic. The words and illustrations work perfectly together, and come to life, dancing off the page. The Book Muse
Each lovely illustration shows Jack and the blue jumper, its warmth and comfort obvious to all readers… The images of the little boy patiently waiting for his brother are so evocative, they took my breath away. ReadPlus
Universal themes are carefully threaded through the text, from overcoming anxiety to the power of the imagination, while simple word choices stitch in reassuring moments of familiarity. Buzz Word Books
Jack’s Jumper is like a mug of hot chocolate, coupled with a cosy cushion on a wintry day; it warm’s the heart. Sara’s depiction of Jack and his treasured jumper is as homely as it is rich and expressive. This story about a boy who uses his favourite jumper, a hand-me-down from his older brother, to fill the void that is left in his brother’s absence is akin to Bob Graham’s 2008 classic The Red Woollen Blanket that unravels over time to eventual loss at the blades of a mower. Exploring themes of make-believe, separation, patience and change through the slow unravelling of a woollen jumper that is so much more than an item of clothing, Sara builds a narrative where contentment meets loss, which transforms into endless possibilities… The changing relationship between the two aging boys lies at the heart of this beautiful journey and could have carried the story without the addition of the cat’s new hoard to complicate the ending. The gift presented to Jack by his older brother is a powerful and emotional highlight and is all that is needed to affirm to the audience how change can bring joy, in a different way. This is a lovely read-out-loud book with plenty of places to rouse a listening audience, build drama and intrigue, and open conversations with young growing minds about resilience and tackling change. It is probably more aptly suited to children in kindergarten and upwards given its more sophisticated themes, intertwining storylines and structure, which may confuse and overcomplicate the primary narrative for younger pre-kindy audiences. Reading Time

Sara Acton is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 20 books for children. She lives on the Central Coast of NSW with one husband, two children, a mischievous dog and a cat called Poppy, who’s definitely in charge.

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