(Video: 2021 World Book Day YouTube live with Danielle Boodoo Fortune, illustrator of The Jungle Outside and Lost! A Caribbean Sea Adventure)
The Jungle Outside. Publisher: Harper Collins UK. Genre: Children’s fiction (picture book). Year of Release: 2021. ISBN-0008413908/ISBN-13: 9780008413903 Illustrated by: Danielle Boodoo-Fortune. Formats: paperback
Synopsis:
Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available.
Set in the Caribbean, The Jungle Outside tells the story of Dante and his grandmother, Tanti, as they explore Tanti’s garden. At first reluctant, Dante soon comes to realise the adventures that await him outside and we follow them as he climbs trees, tastes fruit, and finally notices the nature around him.
Beautifully illustrated by Danielle Boodoo Fortuné, this book is a visual feast which will feed the imagination of young readers. It encourages children get outside and explore, to look at things differently, and to face their fears.
REVIEWS & ENDORSEMENTS
#Endorsements
#Reviews
(Blogged)
“The masterful use of sensory details and cultural references throughout Joanne C. Hillhouse’s picture book The Jungle Outside, as well as the colorful illustrations by Danielle Boodoo Fortuné, transports readers and listeners to the Caribbean Island of Antigua. Hillhouse’s loving depiction of inter-generational bonds, her layering of life lessons, and the vibrant characters makes this story one that will be read over and over again.” – ACALABASH
#Reader Reviews (and shout outs)
(Amazon)
“This little book’s story (only 29 pages) is about a boy who abandons the tv for the outdoors…with his grandmother! It weaves together information about many of the fruit trees and other food plants found in Antigua, some of their local names, all the while telling a story about a boy’s discovery along with related tangents from his grandmother. He develops an appreciation for the mini jungle around the home with the many fruit and other trees there. The story slips in the fact that children used to climb trees routinely when the grandmother and his father were young but this boy barely had looked at the trees before. It is heartwarming once the boy gains appreciation for all around him. It can be simply a story for a young (or not-so-young) person to read. Additionally, the end of the book nicely points out some lessons to be gleaned from the story so, perhaps with some guidance from an adult, children could be asked to give examples of where the various lessons were exemplified. It was a cute and heartwarming read. Can’t wait to pass it on to my young nephew and niece.”
(Instagram)
“Colourful illustrations, descriptive writing and relatable Caribbean experiences all work to bring to life the story of a young boy whose grandmother lets him realise there is more to see in his backyard than he thinks.” – Maria Blackman PR
***
“This wonderful book follows the adventures of Dante and his Grandma … The relationship of Dante and his Tanti is warming, she helps him to keep boredom at bay, overcome his fears, and gain courage so he can enjoy the sweet fruits of life.
The illustrations by Trinidadian Danielle Boodoo-Fortune are glorious. My daughter had a wow moment when she saw the picture of Tanti. The illustrations really bring the story to life.
Would recommend to parents who are wanting to support children to discover nature.
Part of the Collins big cat books, so supports children with phonics and fluency and give prompts on how to develop your childs comprehension.” – DiasporaKidLit
(Goodreads)
“This wonderful book follows the adventures of Dante and his Grandma who helps him to discover the garden has so many wonders if you just pay attention. The story highlights all the delightful fruit the Caribbean has to offer. The relationship of Dante and his Tanti is warming, she helps him to keep boredom at bay, overcome his fears, and gain courage so he can enjoy the sweet fruits of life. The illustrations by Trinidadian Danielle Boodoo-Fortune are glorious. My daughter had a wow moment when she saw the picture of Tanti. The illustrations really bring the story to life. Would recommend to parents who are wanting to support children to discover nature. Part of the Collins big cat books, so supports children with phonics and fluency and give prompts on how to develop your child’s comprehension.” – Diaspora Kids Lit (also posted to instagram)
(You Tube)
“Tanti in the tree is one of my favourite images too!”
***
Related links:
The Jungle Outside cover reveal
The Jungle Outside release announcement
***
If you’ve read my book, please consider posting a review online if you haven’t already done so. It makes a big difference. Thanks!
See links to other review pages, here.
See links to other articles/interviews related to my books or writing, here.
See other books by Joanne C. Hillhouse, here.
jhohadli 
You must be logged in to post a comment.