Customer Reviews

The Jester Has Lost His Jingle

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

My 3-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with leukemia. On one of our stays at the hospital, I found this book to read to her. She absolutely loved it! She asked that I read it again and again. It's a great story about finding laughter and happiness inside yourself, something that a child with cancer and his/her family really needs to be able to do. I'm quite sad to have read the 'official' review by Barbara something-or-other. I think she's way off base and missing the entire point of the book - it's not about the fine drawings or perfectly metered rhyming. It's about finding something deep inside you to get you through the darkest of days.

"The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" is an excellent children's book that fits the cliche "for children of all ages." The book clearly works and works well on its terms, teaching children about the importance of laughter and personal strength in the face of adversity. I am at a loss to explain the few negative comments that I just read about the book on this website -- the only negative comments I've ever encountered in reference to this book. If their concern is that the message is too "surface" or "simplistic," perhaps they should take note of how the story works on a subtextual level as well. The Jester -- a childlike and wide-eyed innocent -- is banished from the only world he's ever known by the King and Queen. In other words, he's sent out from his home by his parents after inexplicably finding himself no longer to please them. He finds himself on a quest not just to find laughter, but to find his self-worth and value. A parable that any child will relate to on a subconscious level. Ultimately, he finds the resiliency and strength within himself and in the world. Laughter (or anything else of value and meaning one is searching for), he discovers, is found sometime in the hardest places to look. Only then does the Jester return home to the great satisfaction of his parental figures. This marvelous story works on many levels. This is just one. As for the person who doesn't understand "the talking wood stick." It's a jester's scepter. And a perfect representation of the Jester's alter ego and inner voice. Show some imagination and intelligence.

I'm 17 and my little sister who's 3 was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor and rare cancer almost 5 months ago. My Mom read this book to her in the waiting room at one of her hospital visits. A few weeks later while she was having Chemotherapy a lady came and gave each patient the Jester and Pharley Doll. Last week my Mom ordered the book, and I just got done reading it for the first time. I personally think it's a wonderful book, people take advantage of life and don't take the time to enjoy it. I definitely enjoy every day that I have my sister, she's gone through a lot and is doing well, but mostly doing well because nothing slows her down! She's a trooper and embraces every moment, 3 years old and knows so much. Every child should have this book! And as people have said, adults as well!

When I first read this book I realized what a gift it was. The story is told in rhyme and the pictures very appealing. In rereading it last night to two of my grandchildren (5 1/2 & 3 1/2) I realized how much they understood and enjoyed it. I also sensed that it is the perfect book for a friend of mine recently diagnosed with cancer. It may well provide her and her family with additional hope and pleasure. Life is precious and certainly one of the most precious aspects is laughter. Many thanks to the late David Saltzman and his parents for sharing this meaningful story with us.

I bought this book several years ago and read it to my twin daughters who are now 8. They and I loved the book! I just pulled it down to read to my 4 year old daughter who did not remember the book. She absolutely loved the book and so did I again. It is a great children's book with colorful pictures and a great story! The illustrations are beautiful and colorful and who cares if he goes from a castle to a modern day city (children know that both can exist at the same time, even if the castle is only in the imagination!)

Buy the book, you won't be sorry!!!

I bought this book as a gift for my nieces, and they love it. It's one of their favorite books for me to read with them. My little niece loves the artwork and likes to explain to me what is happening in the different scenes. My older niece likes to read the story to me and point out the different characters, like Pharley, the King, and the little girl. What surprized me about the book was how it prompted them, and me, to talk about how people feel, and what makes us happy and what makes us sad, how we can feel better, and the things that are important to us. Sometimes you forget how clearly and truly kids see and feel things. Reading this book with my nieces reminds me, and reminds me how precious life and laughter are.

This is an absolutely fabulous book regardless of what the two reviewers below have to say. "The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" is inspiring and motivational; encouraging us all to appreciate life and laughter. I purchased this book for my son while he was still in my belly and inscribed it, "To My Son, may you never lose your jingle because life without laughter is no life at all." In terms of this being a "politically correct" book - in a world of drive-by shootings, decaying manners and morals, road rage, hate crimes, and school-yard shootings...perhaps a little "political correctness" is not such a bad thing. After all, I would prefer my children learn to tolerate and educate themselves with a wide variety of people and ideas not shun and be filled with anger, resentment, and predjudice. As for the jester being a "ridiculous creation" - lighten up! It's a CHILDREN'S book not a documentary. Bottom line, this is a wonderful book.

I am a guidance counselor and find this book quite a resource. Whether dealing with issues of cancer, or as a tool to teach children to think optimistically it is versatile and awesome!

"The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" by David Saltzman is a powerful and insightful addition to the literary world. This self-empowering story of finding laughter inside yourself is essential in a country swelling with sensationalized violence, negativity and apathy. The drawings are so vibrant and captivating. If looked at closely, the illustrations reveal the wisdom of the author's imagination through his subtle use of symbolism and his deft use of colors. The story of self discovery combined with the inviting artwork make "The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" the messenger of a powerful lesson that I am proud to share with not only my grandchildren, but also my adult friends. This book is FUN to read and very humorous! The Jester doll is also GREAT. My grandchildren really grasp the concepts of the story and have a wonderful time when they act it out using their Jester dolls--especially the little sidekick, Pharley."The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" has a depth that speaks to everyone willing to listen. Anyone who could possibly negate the power of such a brilliant work must have lost HIS or HER jingle. I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Five stars!

This is an extraordinary book. Thank goodness I read the book before reading the editorial. The message is one all people should know and the art work is wonderful. I highly recommend the book. It is extraordinary that such a book was created during the author's own struggle with a fatal disease. Please read.