Review of Jake and the Magic Jellybeans
Posted: 10 Apr 2025, 13:03
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Jake and the Magic Jellybeans" by Barbara Gural.]
The book, Jake and the Magic Jellybeans by Barbara Gural, is a whimsically illustrated, children’s book about an insecure character who learns not to doubt his ability. The author cleverly creates a storyline using “magic” jellybeans given to Jake by his grandparents for his birthday. His disappointment in the gift is clear from the start. However, throughout the story, Jake is shown eating the jellybeans in hopes that they will give him abilities he does not believe he has. At the end of the story, his grandparents’ gift enables him to feel more empowered.
Numerous moments of doubt in childhood can trigger us to ask questions like: “Can I do it?” and “Am I good enough?” No one likes having these doubts. How we choose to address or answer these questions as a child like Jack can have a significant impact on our future lives. I loved how the author tried to illustrate the theme of self-belief. We need to build the confidence in children for them to see they are enough and know they are capable of so much.
Some people may criticize this book because they could say it illustrates that it is okay to lie to a child and trick them into believing something has magical powers when it does not. The truth is that children may not take the risks they need to, limiting their true potential if adults do not use a little creativity. Without belief in themselves, children will not find and unlock their “I can” inside. The sad alternative is low self-efficacy which leads to anxiety and depression. So, if someone uses jellybeans to show a child they are “the magic” and discover their true capabilities, then who are we to judge?
Colorful and cartoon-like pictures delightfully show Jake’s journey to understanding. Young children will be attracted to the illustrations. The writing is not too complex for young readers, and the meanings of the sentences are paired with the pictures they see. I give this book a 4 out of 5 for the adequate editing, realistic illustrations, and appropriateness for young children. Because the book does not have flawless editing, I cannot give it the highest score. However, the content is a 5 out of 5 for children ages 5-9. I think this age group would enjoy this the best.
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Jake and the Magic Jellybeans
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The book, Jake and the Magic Jellybeans by Barbara Gural, is a whimsically illustrated, children’s book about an insecure character who learns not to doubt his ability. The author cleverly creates a storyline using “magic” jellybeans given to Jake by his grandparents for his birthday. His disappointment in the gift is clear from the start. However, throughout the story, Jake is shown eating the jellybeans in hopes that they will give him abilities he does not believe he has. At the end of the story, his grandparents’ gift enables him to feel more empowered.
Numerous moments of doubt in childhood can trigger us to ask questions like: “Can I do it?” and “Am I good enough?” No one likes having these doubts. How we choose to address or answer these questions as a child like Jack can have a significant impact on our future lives. I loved how the author tried to illustrate the theme of self-belief. We need to build the confidence in children for them to see they are enough and know they are capable of so much.
Some people may criticize this book because they could say it illustrates that it is okay to lie to a child and trick them into believing something has magical powers when it does not. The truth is that children may not take the risks they need to, limiting their true potential if adults do not use a little creativity. Without belief in themselves, children will not find and unlock their “I can” inside. The sad alternative is low self-efficacy which leads to anxiety and depression. So, if someone uses jellybeans to show a child they are “the magic” and discover their true capabilities, then who are we to judge?
Colorful and cartoon-like pictures delightfully show Jake’s journey to understanding. Young children will be attracted to the illustrations. The writing is not too complex for young readers, and the meanings of the sentences are paired with the pictures they see. I give this book a 4 out of 5 for the adequate editing, realistic illustrations, and appropriateness for young children. Because the book does not have flawless editing, I cannot give it the highest score. However, the content is a 5 out of 5 for children ages 5-9. I think this age group would enjoy this the best.
******
Jake and the Magic Jellybeans
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon