IF YOU HAD A JETPACK

Blast off! Fun has no limits when you have a jetpack. There’s turbo tag at recess, flying to Nana’s, and even exploring the galaxy.

The adventure begins with an idea: “If you found yourself bored, with nothing to do, you could build your own jetpack.” Although the project might be challenging, cleverness and persistence fuel your journey to the stars. Narrated in second person, the text encourages readers to imagine themselves into the story. A blue bunny with red glasses stands in for the “you” described in the text. As the story progresses, each new adventure becomes increasingly fantastic, from showing off at school and zipping to the front of the lunch line to exploring outer space and earning a medal from the president (a pink-pantsuit–wearing bear). Detlefsen (Time for Cranberries, 2015) and debut picture-book illustrator Hunter develop a rhythm throughout the story by punctuating each scenario with an adverb that receives extra emphasis on the page through colorful, bold display type and other typographical emphasis. The text mingles with the digitally rendered illustrations, curving and zigzagging across the pages. Brightly colored animal characters and pages full of movement fit the playful tone and the theme of imagination.

A whimsical story that challenges readers to dream, create, and share their fun with everyone. (Picture book. 3-6)