Jack's Talent [Hardcover]

Maryann Cocca-Leffler (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

"You must be good at something," said Miss Lucinda. "Everyone has a special talent."

On the first day of school, Miss Lucinda asks the students to share their special talents. Francesca is a star soccer player, Matthew can catch huge fish with his grandpa, and Candace is an excellent artist. It seems that everyone has something to share. But Jack is worried. He doesn't have any talent at all . . . or so he thinks.
 
Acrylic paintings that pop with energy and charm make this story by veteran author and illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler the perfect boost for any child who questions his or her abilities.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

On the first day of school, Miss Lucinda asks the students to introduce themselves and share a special talent. Going around the circle, it seems everyone's good at something—Michael says he can write long words; Francesca excels at soccer; other students build sand castles, train dogs, draw cats. But Jack can't think of anything, listing instead what he is not good at, by reciting back—in order—the names and activities of the children before him. Miss Lucinda tells the class that the way Jack can remember things is a special talent itself, and she gives him the responsibility of handing out name tags. With simple, short sentences, Jack's feelings and worries are sympathetically portrayed in this supportive, positive read. Animated, expressive cartoon-style art, with colorful texture and detail, depicts the diverse characters and their various activities, in familiar school, home, and outdoor environments. A reassuring confidence booster, encouraging children—and their adults—to think creatively about what they enjoy, their abilities, and how to recognize and celebrate individual accomplishments. Rosenfeld, Shelle

Review

"Warm illustrations of the enthusiastic students help make this a nice choice for those just starting school." —Kirkus Reviews

 

“Children will find piquant details in the pictures when they return to it later on their own.”—The Horn Book

 

"Provide[s] a springboard for discussions."—Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); First Edition edition (July 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374336814
• ISBN-13: 978-0374336813
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,037 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Website: www.maryanncoccaleffler.com
My PLAY: www.princesskimthemusical.com
my Blog: www.maryanncoccaleffler.blogspot.com

I've been writing and illustrating children's books for more than 25 years and have published over 50 books. I graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in 1980 with a BFA in illustration. My Italian childhood sneaks into my books. The first book I wrote and illustrated was "Wednesday is Spaghetti Day". My books "Bus Route to Boston" and "Clams All Year" are family stories which I hold dear to my heart. Recent books include "Rain Brings Frogs-A Little Book of Hope" ,"Princess K.I.M and the Lie that Grew" and "Princess Kim and Too Much Truth", which are currently being made into Pristin K.I.M The Musical. Broadway here I come! Please keep checking my website and blog to see my new books or learn news about upcoming projects. I live and work in NH where I write and illustrate on an average of two books a year. I have two wonderful daughters and a supportive husband who are the first ones to see my ideas (love to torture them!).
I'd love to hear from you.
Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Jack's Talent, July 28, 2008

By 

First Grade Teacher - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jack's Talent (Hardcover)

This is a very cute book. I will enjoy using it with my first graders.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Jack's Talent, September 27, 2007

By 

Kirsten G. Cutler (Santa Rosa, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jack's Talent (Hardcover)

Cocca-Leffler, Maryann. Jack's Talent. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2007.

It's the first day of school and one teacher announces to her class that everyone is good at doing something. She asks each child to introduce himself and state one thing that she is good at, and starts off with "I am Miss Lucinda. I plant flowers and watch them grow. I am good at gardening". Michael says, that he is "good at spelling", Candace proclaims that she is "good at drawing", and Alex reports that he is "good at building". When it is Jack's turn, he says, "I am Jack. I am not good at anything". Miss Lucinda replies, "You must be good at something" so Jack responds, "I am not good at spelling like Michael, I am not good at soccer like Francesca" and lists everyone else's talent. Miss Lucinda says to Jack, "You are good at remembering", and asks him to hand out nameplates. The last page shows a very happy Jack declaring, " I am good at remembering". Brimming with color and happy multicultural faces, this book belongs on every list recommending good books about starting school or promoting self-esteem.