Jillian Jiggs to the Rescue

Joan Buchanan is a writing instructor and storyteller, and the author of
Taking Care of My Cold! and The Nana Rescue.

The lively rhyming text and the action-packed, child-centred
illustrations are sure to delight pre-schoolers to 8-year-olds. As in
Jillian Jiggs and The Wonderful Pigs of Jillian Jiggs, the main
character is energetic, independent, and resourceful. With indomitable
spirit, she sets about building a monster trap with her friends to
protect her little sister, Rebecca, from the night monster. The ending
contains a fitting surprise for the spunky monster battlers.

Phoebe Gilman’s very detailed pictures move her story along well and
add to the characters’ exuberance. Perceptive fans of The Wonderful
Pigs of Jillian Jiggs will note all the pigs, from pyjamas to furniture
decoration. For those unable to read, the story can be followed from the
realistic and imaginative pictures alone.

I admire Gilman’s work. Yet, I wonder why the story starts with a
true-to-life premise but becomes a fantasy adventure. Perhaps the ending
would have even more impact if the entire story took place closer to
home. That said, any of my doubts are far outweighed by the overall
success of the book. Highly recommended.