Cartwheeling Sally and Jumping Jack Jim by Penny O’Loughlin (Author) and Antonio Ordóñez (Illustrator)

This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here. 

Cartwheeling Sally and Jumping Jack Jim focuses on two children, Sally and Jim. Sally just cannot sit still in school or at home (hence being called Cartwheeling Sally), and Jim faces the same problem (hence being called Jumping Jack Jim). They each struggle separately with their desire to stay on the move while those around them fail to understand them and, instead, just worry about them. Then, when a kid is in trouble, Sally and Jim come together and use their movement to save the day.

The rhymes and cadence in Cartwheeling Sally and Jumping Jack Jim show off author Penny O’Loughlin’s skill with words. The rhythm of the text adds additional movement to a story that highlights the power and possibility of movement—hence, the pacing of the words perfectly complements the plot and meaning of the story.

The ultimate message of Cartwheeling Sally and Jumping Jack Jim is to encourage people to work to understand those who seem to be constantly on the move. While readers may not wiggle like Sally and Jim, they probably at least know someone who does. Thus, Cartwheeling Sally and Jumping Jack Jim is vital reading for any reader, but will likely be quite validating for readers who feel the need to always be jiggling.

The text of Cartwheeling Sally and Jumping Jack Jim is perfectly paired with illustrator Antonio Ordóñez’s artwork. Ordóñez’s style is playful and soft while clearly conveying movement in two dimensions. Readers young and old will be delighted to follow along with Sally and Jim’s actions, perhaps even trying to copy them, through Ordóñez’s illustrations.

Cartwheeling Sally and Jumping Jack Jim is a picture book intended for young readers, from preschool through middle grade (8-12). Author Penny O’Loughlin clearly sends a message that those who are always on the move have power and a place in our shared world. Additionally, O’Loughlin has a skilled hand with rhyme and rhythm that will be appreciated by all readers. Finally, illustrator Antonio Ordóñez’s artwork not only highlights the movement of the words and story but adds to it in a playful way.

Cartwheeling Sally and Jumping Jack Jim by Penny O’Loughlin (Author) and Antonio Ordóñez (Illustrator), Starfish Bay Publishing