What's that Jack? by Ramadier & Bourgeau

Two dogs, Jack and George have a day full of excitement when a round object falls from the sky at their feet. George asks Jack what it is. He touches it concluding it is too soft to be a boulder. They push it, Jack suggesting it may be a ball and as it keeps rolling, getting faster all the time, he concludes they may be right. But it rolls over a cliff, the pair falling down with the ball, as it turns into a parachute and they fall into the river below. Still, George asks, ‘What is it Jack?' as it becomes a raft and they float down the river, bumping into a whale. Cold, the question George asks again, 'What is it Jack?' sees the object turning into a blanket to keep them warm. They sleep and in the morning the object is back to its original shape, hovering above the ground.

Now George’s question becomes 'What was that, Jack?' As the object takes to the skies and returns to where it came from. Jack is amazed at their adventure. He does not know what it was and cannot answer George’s question, but he concludes what ever it was, it was wonderful.

What exciting thoughts will come from this story as the animals have a very different adventure over the day. They have rolled down a hill, fallen into a river, used a parachute, bumped into a whale while rafting, finally sleeping the night outdoors. A very different day from the one shown in the first page with the two sitting under a tree, looking not a little bored, their house in the background, safe and secure. They have ventured out of their comfort zone, tackled new horizons, seen different things, stretched their experiences and been excited by new vistas, all the while George asking the same question. Kids will love repeating this question as each new page is turned, watching the response of each dog to the new setting. A stunning book to read aloud and encourage imaginative thoughts about the ball and what it could be. The wonderful blocks of colour ensure the story is foremost while the words splash or bomb, aaaah and oomph stand out for kids to repeat and wonder at. I love the swathes of pinks and blues contrasting with the touches of yellow and green. Each page is a treat.

The thicker than usual pages ensure its long life with many fingers grabbing it to read and be read to them.

Cédric Ramadier studied at the Camberwell College of Arts in London, before moving to Paris to work as an art director, graphic designer, editor, and author. Vincent Bourgeau lives in Marseilles, France, where he works fulltime as a children’s book illustrator. It is translated by Antony Shugaar who is highly esteemed in his field, winning the Strega Prize.

Themes: Imagination, Questioning, Adventure, Friendship, Humour.

Fran Knight