JOOKA SAVES THE DAY

by Gilles Eduar ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1997

Despite the preliminarily disenchanting premise of the different-one-who-wins, Eduar, with ebullient illustrations that blaze with tropical scenery and color, sweeps readers into the saga of how Jooka-zay-kajoo's search for his unique identity leads him to unity with the crocodiles. It isn't just Jooka's name that's weird, but everything else as well: his red-striped tank top, his antennas, his falling asleep in the water (because he then bumps into the bridge and wakes everyone from siesta). The crocodiles accept Jooka anyway, until the day he sneezes fire and wings pop out of his shirt. The frightened crocs run away, and Zooka sadly paddles his boat to a rocky little island, the home of Theo, a wise pelican. Theo not only tells Jooka what he is--a dragon--but also trains him to strengthen his gifts before sending him back to his crocodile friends. By this time, they need him to get back the crocodiles taken by hunters; Jooka saves the captured with his fire and flight, and the book closes with a reunion. Vibrant illustrations and small touches lift this story from the ordinary, and establish a magical world akin to that of Babar--a world that readers will respond to happily.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1997

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Orchard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1997

Categories: CHILDREN'S