Jungle Jamboree

Review

The first thing you’ll notice about Jungle Jamboree is the fantastic energy in its illustrations – you can almost feel the movement of the flora and fauna on each page, and the vibrant colours used by author/illustrator Jo Empson leap off the page.

All of which feels very appropriate, as the story focuses on a contest to find the most beautiful creature in the jungle.

Lion, Zebra, Leopard and Hippo all feel that some perceived flaw will deny them the prize, and set about altering how they look in order to impress the judges.

But when they return, full of newfound confidence yet looking rather unlike themselves, the treacherous elements intervene.

In the end, it’s kind, helpful, unassuming Firefly who reveals his companions’ natural beauty, while demonstrating that showing some regard for others is a far more important quality than looking good.

It’s an engaging celebration of uniqueness that highlights the importance of loving and accepting yourself and others, which is a message we can all get behind.