Jared Lester: Fifth-Grade Jester

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Harvard,
Massachusetts.

Jared didn’t know that such a thing as a court jester existed until he
saw one in a movie, and realized right away that he had found his dream
job. He already knew how to juggle, was an accomplished gymnast, and he
told jokes. Now his only concern was whether there were any court jester
jobs available. When he has an opportunity to sign up for a competition
to perform for the Queen on her upcoming tour, he knows he has to win.
He practises diligently. Then he researches and discovers a professor
who is an expert on jesters and foolery. With Professor Krinklecut’s
insight, Jared takes his newfound profession even more seriously. He
learns to look for opportunities to put his skills to use to help people
as well as entertain them. Best of all, Jared is a smashing success with
the Queen, impresses the ambassador, and is invited to study with Circus
Ole in the summer.

This extremely enjoyable story is not only full of amusing characters
and entertaining situations, it also provides a good model of a kid who
discovers his dream and pursues it diligently. Jared is confident and
determined to do whatever it takes to perfect his art, and his hard work
is rewarded. The catchy title is a good indication of the lighthearted
fun that is in store for the reader of this cleverly written and
delightful story. Highly recommended.