Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #200367 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-10
• Released on: 2007-07-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Booklist
On the first day of school, Miss Lucinda asks the students to introduce themselves and share a special talent. Going around the circle, it seems everyone's good at something—Michael says he can write long words; Francesca excels at soccer; other students build sand castles, train dogs, draw cats. But Jack can't think of anything, listing instead what he is not good at, by reciting back—in order—the names and activities of the children before him. Miss Lucinda tells the class that the way Jack can remember things is a special talent itself, and she gives him the responsibility of handing out name tags. With simple, short sentences, Jack's feelings and worries are sympathetically portrayed in this supportive, positive read. Animated, expressive cartoon-style art, with colorful texture and detail, depicts the diverse characters and their various activities, in familiar school, home, and outdoor environments. A reassuring confidence booster, encouraging children—and their adults—to think creatively about what they enjoy, their abilities, and how to recognize and celebrate individual accomplishments. Rosenfeld, Shelle

Review
"Warm illustrations of the enthusiastic students help make this a nice choice for those just starting school." —Kirkus Reviews 

“Children will find piquant details in the pictures when they return to it later on their own.”—The Horn Book

"Provide[s] a springboard for discussions."—Publishers Weekly

About the Author
MARYANN COCCA-LEFFLER has written and/or illustrated over forty books for children, including Isabella’s Above-Ground Pool by Alice Mead. She lives in Amherst, New Hampshire.

Customer Reviews

Jack's Talent
This is a very cute book. I will enjoy using it with my first graders.

Jack's Talent
Cocca-Leffler, Maryann. Jack's Talent. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2007.

It's the first day of school and one teacher announces to her class that everyone is good at doing something. She asks each child to introduce himself and state one thing that she is good at, and starts off with "I am Miss Lucinda. I plant flowers and watch them grow. I am good at gardening". Michael says, that he is "good at spelling", Candace proclaims that she is "good at drawing", and Alex reports that he is "good at building". When it is Jack's turn, he says, "I am Jack. I am not good at anything". Miss Lucinda replies, "You must be good at something" so Jack responds, "I am not good at spelling like Michael, I am not good at soccer like Francesca" and lists everyone else's talent. Miss Lucinda says to Jack, "You are good at remembering", and asks him to hand out nameplates. The last page shows a very happy Jack declaring, " I am good at remembering". Brimming with color and happy multicultural faces, this book belongs on every list recommending good books about starting school or promoting self-esteem.