JACK
Jack is the tale of a little bird born too weak to fly. Its message is that if you reach for your dreams and work hard, who knows what may happen...
Here's what reviewers have said about Jack, along with a sample of the illustrations. If you are a budding picture book writer or illustrator you might also enjoy the story of how Jack emerged
Reviews
This modern day story teaches us that we are all inextricably linked with the world around us and even little birds like Jack may teach us that dreams can be realised. Jack is a wonderful story about friendship that inspires hope and a sense of care for animals.
Wayne Mills MNZM
Kids' Lit Quiz
Jack is a small bird who is so weak he can't fly. He has many other talents – he can sing, talk and run fast – but no one thinks he will be able to fly, until Mum comes up with an idea. Hard work and patience eventually pay off, which is of course the moral of the story – reach for your dreams and don't give up! The illustrations are the high point in this nicely produced book; there's something to catch your eye on every spread. Created using acrylic ink on paper, coloured pencil, pens, acrylic paint and ripped paper for texture, all tweaked in Photoshop. The range of formats to the pages also adds interest and use of colour reflects the mood. It will be interesting to see what JacksBooks comes up with next.
The judging panel would like to make special mention of Jack by Mike and Esther Fitzpatrick, illustrated by Bruce Madden (JacksBooks). For a self-published book, the design and production values are worthy of special mention.
Storylines Notable Book List 2009 – Special Mentions
Jack is a frail and undesized budgie who is too weak to learn to fly but with the help of a whole family he is gradually able to take to the air. Themes: budgies, determination, friendship, perserverance.
Barbara Murison, Marigold Enterprises - Too Good to Miss: The best around the bookshops 2007-2009
First time children's book writers and illustrator Mike and Esther Fitzpatrick and Bruce Madden were so convinced of the strength of this little story that they formed their own company to publish it. And the confidence is wellfounded. Jack's story is based on that of a real family pet. a budgie born so small and weak it was never expected to fly. Despite growth and improved health, the sky seemed to be out of reach for this much-loved bird until the family determined they would 'help' Jack with an exercise and training program that eventually worked a miracle! The text of this 'never give up' tale is well suited for its pre-school read-aloud to mid primary audience and is sure to be popular. Bruce Madden has bundled a huge personality into Jack's simple form and accompanies the written story with loads of visual humour guaranteed to engage child readers. And Jack is by no means the only engaging character in these mixed media art works; have the children search for the ever-watchful cat...With more picture books in the offing, we can only hope this fledgling team lives up to the promise of their first product.
Karen Cook,, Magpies, Volume 24, 2008
Illustrations from Jack
