The Giant Jumperee by Julia Donaldson

Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. Penguin, 2017. ISBN 9780141363820
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. Something is hiding in poor Rabbit's burrow, scaring the forest animals. The creature hiding inside announces 'I'm the Giant Jumperee and I'm scary as can be!' Each of Rabbit's friends offers to help remove the intruder. When Cat slinks up to burrow ready to pounce, he is greeted by the creature's taunting remark - 'I'll squash you like a flea!' Bear offers to knock him down with his big paw however, he is told 'I'll sting you like a bee!' This mysterious animal certainly knows which buttons to press to scare each one away. Mummy Frog stands at the each of the burrow, arms akimbo, eyes wide open, determined to sort out the problem. She's not concerned and challenges the Giant Jumperee to appear on the count of three! Out jumps her Baby Frog, happy to have scared all the animals. Mummy Frog is not amused while Elephant, Rabbit, Bear and Cat lay back in the green grass, laughing at the trick played by the little frog.
Donaldson's uncomplicated story uses rhyme and repetition to delight the young audience. Oxenbury's colourful paintings are delightful; they show the range of emotions each animal feels as the Great Jumperee defeats them. This gentle story is just right for predicting the outcome and engaging a Preschool or kindergarten class.
Rhyllis Bignell