Jessica Is Reading a Story Book Aloud

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 · 1,155 ratings  · 175 reviews

Get-go your review of Jessica

Jan 05, 2021 Patricia Strot rated it really liked it

Certainly a relatable story almost a five twelvemonth one-time daughter who has pretend friend named Jessica. Of grade, I would because at about 3 I had a friend who lived in the agenda. It is more fun to have a existent friend but sometimes i is lonely or demand someone to arraign bad behavior oh, and a million other reasons. My 7-year-old cracking-granddaughter loved this story and we discussed it at length. And so if you desire nutrient for idea and discussion with a child this one might be a good ane.

Feb 22, 2019 Jessica rated it it was amazing

I love this story! When I was growing up this was my Favorite! My proper noun is Jessica. And even though she'south mostly invisible during the story, she is a peachy character!
I love this story! When I was growing upwardly this was my Favorite! My proper noun is Jessica. And even though she'south mostly invisible during the story, she is a neat graphic symbol!
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Cute book virtually imagination, being an only child, and friendship. Kevin Henkes' books are always smashing! Cute volume well-nigh imagination, beingness an only child, and friendship. Kevin Henkes' books are always great! ...more

October 12, 2011 Lindsay rated it liked information technology

I read this book with my second graders and they really enjoyed it, just idea the text was actually simple and predictable. Non that this is necessarily a bad thing, but I wouldn't recommend using this text to promote critical discussion. On a dissimilar note, many of the kids could relate to the idea of having no one at home to play with and besides had an imaginary friend or pet of some kind that they created to go along them company. The illustrations in this story were pocket-size and used talking bubbling I read this book with my 2d graders and they really enjoyed it, merely thought the text was really simple and anticipated. Not that this is necessarily a bad matter, just I wouldn't recommend using this text to promote disquisitional discussion. On a dissimilar note, many of the kids could relate to the idea of having no 1 at domicile to play with and as well had an imaginary friend or pet of some kind that they created to go on them company. The illustrations in this story were pocket-sized and used talking bubbling, like many of Henke'south other books. All the same, this story used people instead of mice, which is very different from his other books. I like that Henke's writes a lot of relatable children's books that children tin talk near and that allow adults to reminisce about their ain childhood experiences. Henkes seems to have a good handle on what children care almost and are thinking about. I really like his books, although not incredibly deep or challenging, because he writes books children can read, understand and enjoy. ...more than

Jul 19, 2010 Lisa Vegan rated it really liked it  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: children who are near to kickoff school; merely children with no pets; all young children

This book is another winner from Henkes. The illustrations are very cute, and although nothing super special, fit the story so well. The pictures being tiny make them extra fun. The story about a daughter named Ruthie who has an imaginary friend named Jessica, is one that children will relate to, even if they've never had any imaginary friends. Alone only children volition no pets volition especially sympathise Ruthie. I love how Ruthie's beliefs and feelings are taken seriously and besides how Ruthie, when h This book is some other winner from Henkes. The illustrations are very cute, and although goose egg super special, fit the story so well. The pictures being tiny make them extra fun. The story almost a girl named Ruthie who has an imaginary friend named Jessica, is one that children volition relate to, fifty-fifty if they've never had any imaginary friends. Lonely only children will no pets will especially understand Ruthie. I dear how Ruthie's behavior and feelings are taken seriously and as well how Ruthie, when her circumstances change, finds a new way to satisfy her need for friendship. I could see the ending coming from a mile away, but that didn't diminish my pleasure in information technology; information technology was entertaining, and satisfying. ...more

Jul 14, 2010 Kathryn rated it really liked it

Another care for from the genius that is Henkes! This fourth dimension, nosotros feature a human girl (as opposed to his usual mice!) and her imaginary friend. As ever, the story is told with dandy sensitivity to a child's feelings, never making fun of the child for needing an imaginary friend, but gently showing how sometimes that need can be outgrown or filled in another way. Another treat from the genius that is Henkes! This fourth dimension, we feature a human girl (as opposed to his usual mice!) and her imaginary friend. Every bit e'er, the story is told with bully sensitivity to a kid'southward feelings, never making fun of the child for needing an imaginary friend, but gently showing how sometimes that need tin be outgrown or filled in another fashion. ...more

Oct 11, 2019 Monique Gil rated information technology really liked it

This review has been hidden considering it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ruthie Simms didn't have a dog, a cat, or a brother, or a sister. But Jessica was the next best thing. Ruthie and Jessica did everything together, if Ruthie was hungry so was Jessica, if Ruthie was turning 5 and then was Jessica. Ruthie's parents did not believe in Jessica, but Ruthie did. One day Ruthie had to offset Kindergarten, her and Jessica wanted to go home so desperately. Jessica was with Ruthie all throughout her day until they had to line upwardly two by ii to visit the bathroom. A girl asked Ruthie if Ruthie Simms didn't have a dog, a cat, or a brother, or a sister. But Jessica was the next best matter. Ruthie and Jessica did everything together, if Ruthie was hungry so was Jessica, if Ruthie was turning 5 so was Jessica. Ruthie'southward parents did not believe in Jessica, simply Ruthie did. Ane day Ruthie had to start Kindergarten, her and Jessica wanted to go home so desperately. Jessica was with Ruthie all throughout her day until they had to line upward two by two to visit the bathroom. A girl asked Ruthie if she could be her partner... What practice you remember Ruthie and Jessica say? Who is this footling daughter?...
I don't remember myself having an imaginary friend because I practice have sisters, a brother, and a few dogs. Jessica shares what a little child does to soothe herself in situations that make her experience uncomfortable, lonely, and nervous. She likewise displays an active imagination and what information technology tin do for a kid. She shows that it is fun even if she is 'lonely'. This volume is illustrated and written by Kevin Henkes, it is cute, the pictures don't take upwards all the white infinite but they are and so colorful and vibrant. I love them!
The way I could contain this volume into the classroom is outset explaining to students that it is okay to feel uncomfortable and cope in their own ways. 2nd have them understand that sometimes it is okay to see new friends and exit of their comfort zones. I think this volume would be most relatable to K-2nd graders. ...more

May 08, 2020 Edward Sojuwa rated it really liked information technology

Kevin Henkes at his best, and he keeps getting improve. Little five yr old Ruthie has an imaginary friend named Jessica, and despite her parents' attempts at psychology to bring her back to earth, she refuses to acknowledge that Jessica is imaginary. Ruthie is not set, not notwithstanding, to let go of her "friend", and I think information technology's more empowering to allow kids accept imaginary friends until they choose to have real ones. The day finally comes when in school a real girl asks to be her friend....a real Jessi Kevin Henkes at his best, and he keeps getting amend. Little five year old Ruthie has an imaginary friend named Jessica, and despite her parents' attempts at psychology to bring her back to world, she refuses to acknowledge that Jessica is imaginary. Ruthie is not ready, not all the same, to let go of her "friend", and I think it's more than empowering to let kids have imaginary friends until they choose to have existent ones. The solar day finally comes when in school a existent girl asks to exist her friend....a real Jessica. It's a treat for kids when an author like Henkes has the insight to allow kids the freedom to use imaginary friends to survive the real world until set up to let become. Myself, I currently live with a mental illness that sends the incorrect signals to my brain, so I myself have imaginary friends to chase the bad voices dorsum, and so far it seems to piece of work. Volition it last? Root for me and ship well wishes. I truly capeesh the support.
4 stars
Jessica is as real equally it gets! ...more than

Jul 21, 2020 Nicole rated it information technology was amazing

Office of the Developed Summer Reading Programme at my local library was to read my favorite book from childhood. Later thirty+ years, I still accept this book on my shelf. Growing upwards as the only daughter in a two-child household, I ofttimes learned how to keep myself company while my older brother got more than into sports. Rather than coming together a "Jessica" as in someone who fit the space of an imaginary friend, but I remember how powerful it was to meet another girl in daycare who had the same proper noun as me. We both liked t Part of the Developed Summer Reading Program at my local library was to read my favorite book from babyhood. After 30+ years, I still have this book on my shelf. Growing upward as the only girl in a two-child household, I often learned how to keep myself company while my older brother got more into sports. Rather than meeting a "Jessica" as in someone who fit the space of an imaginary friend, merely I remember how powerful it was to meet another girl in daycare who had the aforementioned name every bit me. We both liked to trip the light fantastic toe, we had a lot of the same toys, and our mothers worked together. She was like the sis I never had, and people would enquire us if nosotros were twins even though nosotros looked goose egg akin.

This book is a reminder to me of how precious those early connections are. That get-go time y'all detect your person and feel like yous can independently choose someone as a friend based on things you both like. Information technology's such a crucial step in development.

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Jun 02, 2017 Ramon Requena rated it really liked information technology

This book follows a fiddling girl who has an imaginary friend with whom she is united to, even to the displeasure of her parents. This story concludes with a sense of maturity and moving on grade the main character that fulfills the reader very well. This book is thoughtful while unproblematic.
The media used in this volume is of thin colored pencils that stand out in every drawing. The fine art has a feeling of age that makes the volume feel if it was a classic story.
This volume, the story, is adept for a classroom r This volume follows a little girl who has an imaginary friend with whom she is united to, even to the displeasure of her parents. This story concludes with a sense of maturity and moving on form the principal character that fulfills the reader very well. This volume is thoughtful while simple.
The media used in this book is of thin colored pencils that stand out in every drawing. The art has a feeling of age that makes the book feel if information technology was a classic story.
This book, the story, is proficient for a classroom reading because it can teach students of the importance of friendships and how they can be springboards to greater relationships. This book reaches a personal part of one's past as information technology discusses how imaginary friends are perceived by others, like parents. ...more

Oct 16, 2021 Allie Jackson rated it it was amazing

"Jessica" is about a footling girl named Ruthie who is nervous for her first day of kindergarten. Her invisible friend "Jessica" is her simply friend and her support system/comfort. Ruthie's parents insist there is no Jessica, and suggest non "bringing" her along for her starting time day of schoolhouse. Once Ruthie is at schoolhouse she is standing in line and hears one of her classmates introduce herself to Ruthie... and her name was Jessica! This was a start to a not bad friendship. This is an ambrosial read. This wo "Jessica" is about a little girl named Ruthie who is nervous for her first day of kindergarten. Her invisible friend "Jessica" is her only friend and her back up system/condolement. Ruthie's parents insist there is no Jessica, and suggest not "bringing" her along for her first solar day of school. In one case Ruthie is at school she is continuing in line and hears one of her classmates introduce herself to Ruthie... and her name was Jessica! This was a outset to a great friendship. This is an ambrosial read. This would be a great volume to read in the classroom at the first of the school twelvemonth for kindergartners. Students can relate to this book. Being nervous starting school is a normal feeling into school! "Jessica" shows that school is not so scary, and that you will make friends! ...more than

Nov 22, 2016 Jamie Hayes rated it actually liked it

I came beyond this book while cleaning out boxes from my mother'south firm after she moved. Mt sister'south name is Jessica, so I figured I would read information technology to come across what the book was about. A cute story about a young daughter dealing with loneliness and how her imaginary friend Jessica keeps her company throughout all of her adventures and how that imaginary friendship prepares the young girl for her real life friends when she starts schoolhouse. I came across this volume while cleaning out boxes from my mother's house subsequently she moved. Mt sister's name is Jessica, so I figured I would read it to see what the book was about. A cute story about a immature girl dealing with loneliness and how her imaginary friend Jessica keeps her company throughout all of her adventures and how that imaginary friendship prepares the young girl for her real life friends when she starts school. ...more

A piddling girl has an imaginary friend named Jessica. Anybody around her tries to tell her that in that location is no Jessica but she knows improve. Jessica likes everything she likes, and does everything she does. So she goes to school and has to come to terms with 'at that place is no Jessica" but is there? Her newest friend's proper name IS Jessica and she'south but like Jessica she loves! A very sweet imaginary friend book. A little girl has an imaginary friend named Jessica. Everyone around her tries to tell her that there is no Jessica only she knows better. Jessica likes everything she likes, and does everything she does. Then she goes to school and has to come to terms with 'there is no Jessica" merely is there? Her newest friend's name IS Jessica and she'due south just similar Jessica she loves! A very sweetness imaginary friend volume. ...more

I believe some books about only children dwell on how they wish they had siblings, simply this one does non. Instead it focused on Jessica's imagination and how she was happy with her imaginary friend and was not upset that she didn't take any siblings. I liked the pictures in this book and how in that location is text near the pictures of some characters that is not a directly part of the story, but helps add petty details nearly the characters.

Dec 04, 2019 J rated it it was amazing

My namesake book is everything I would want it to be and more. Ruthie has a friend named Jessica. She tin can see her, but her parents e'er tell her, "There is no Jessica!" Ruthie knows improve, though. So when her parents suggest that Jessica stay habitation on Ruthie'due south starting time day of schoolhouse, Ruthie disagrees and brings Jessica forth anyway. School is a fleck scary and intimidating, only perchance, just perhaps, Ruthie will make a serendipitous new friend along the way. My namesake book is everything I would want it to be and more than. Ruthie has a friend named Jessica. She tin come across her, but her parents e'er tell her, "There is no Jessica!" Ruthie knows better, though. So when her parents suggest that Jessica stay home on Ruthie's beginning day of school, Ruthie disagrees and brings Jessica along anyhow. School is a scrap scary and intimidating, but maybe, simply maybe, Ruthie will brand a serendipitous new friend along the way. ...more

December 02, 2019 Alyssa rated it it was amazing

The illustrations in this book are bright and expressive. They proceed perfectly with this book about a bright and expressive little girl with a big imagination. The illustrations really add together to the story. Such as the last page, where the text tells you that Ruthie and Jessica go good friends, merely the illustrations contain x dissimilar activities the two of them are doing together.

Nov thirteen, 2020 Ellon rated it liked it

Jessica was my favorite proper name for all my dolls when I was younger 😁
This is a real beautiful story even if information technology is pretty anticipated. Ruthie has a friend named Jessica that she does everything with just Ruthie's parent insist that Jessica is non existent. Then Ruthie goes to school...

Aug 26, 2021 Diane rated it liked it

To be honest I did not like this volume as much every bit the other Henkes books. While I did have an imaginary friend as a kid growing upwardly and empathise the need for them, the ending seemed a bit ambiguous to me and left me feeling unsettled.

Jan 02, 2017 Eric Hinkle rated it it was amazing

!!!

Such a lovely book! Probably my favorite (that I've read and then far) from fellow Wisconsinite Kevin Henkes. I feel honored to be from the same city, adept sir.

!!!

Such a lovely book! Probably my favorite (that I've read and then far) from fellow Wisconsinite Kevin Henkes. I experience honored to be from the same city, skilful sir.

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Fantastic story with a wonderful ending.

Picture book? Or horror story?

Jun xix, 2018 Danette rated it liked it

A cute story about a trivial girl and her imaginary friend.

half-dozen/19/18 Read with Naomi & Julia.

January 12, 2019 Amanda rated it really liked it

Groovy for young kids who still have imaginary friends.

May 10, 2019 Deanna rated it it was amazing

Very beautiful story. Who does not love Kevin Henkes books?

October 04, 2019 Melissa Namba rated it really liked it

Jessica is the imaginary friend to a niggling girl named Ruthie. Her parents are kind of mean and won't entertain her. When Ruth goes to school, she makes a new friend who is named...Jessica! Kismet! Jessica is the imaginary friend to a little girl named Ruthie. Her parents are kind of mean and won't entertain her. When Ruth goes to school, she makes a new friend who is named...Jessica! Kismet! ...more

Aug 11, 2020 Madi Hanson rated information technology it was amazing

I love this book then much! I e'er read it when I was a child but unfortunately lost it due to a burn. I got another copy and plan to read it to my future children.

I had not thought about this book in years, until I discovered that my library endemic a copy. And then I was not only pleased to see an old familiar title all the same being read by kids today, but surprised and delighted to learn information technology was written by Kevin Henkes! For whatsoever reason, I associate Henkes with a newer age of picture books, books I was too old to read by the time they were published, similar Chrysanthemum (published in 1991 when I was 8), Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (1996), and Wemberly Worrie I had non thought about this book in years, until I discovered that my library endemic a copy. And then I was not only pleased to see an old familiar championship still existence read by kids today, only surprised and delighted to learn it was written by Kevin Henkes! For whatever reason, I associate Henkes with a newer age of picture books, books I was also former to read past the fourth dimension they were published, like Chrysanthemum (published in 1991 when I was eight), Lilly'southward Purple Plastic Purse (1996), and Wemberly Worried (2000). I didn't realize he'd actually been on the scene since the early lxxx'due south, and therefore never associated him with Jessica.

That said, whether I knew of the writer or not, I can remember being very addicted of this book when I was younger, and I'grand just equally addicted of it now, reading information technology with an developed perspective.

Ruthie Simms didn't have a dog.
She didn't take a true cat,
or a brother
or a sister.
But Jessica was fifty-fifty better.

Then begins this simple story of friendship between a daughter and her imaginary friend.

One of the first things I thought about when I was reading this was all the white space on the pages. I very distinctly remembered imagining that space equally Jessica's part of the world, the unseen, imaginary part. Though most people - including Ruthie'south parents - tin't see Jessica, I always imagined her at that place in those white areas, participating in the activeness at paw, visible but to the eyes of her playmate. I'm not certain I could run into it that way now, if not for the memory of my childhood reading of the story.

I likewise picked upwardly on a few things I missed equally a child. For one affair, in the analogy of Ruthie's and Jessica's block towers, Jessica's name is spelled incorrectly, with a K, hinting subtly at Ruthie's ignorance of the proper spelling of her friend'south name. I too loved the mode the words "And if Ruthie was glad, Jessica felt exactly the aforementioned" come dancing out of Ruthie's trumpet, as though they are the music. I can remember feeling especially triumphant when I read those words, and I'm sure their concrete poetry style contributed to that.

The other thing I considered was the reaction of Ruthie's parents to her imaginary friend. I was surprised at how insistent they were that Ruthie stop assertive in Jessica, and that she get out Jessica at home when school begins. I had many imaginary friends when I was preschool-aged, and I call back my family merely sort of allow me pretend. I'm not sure what to make of these parents who feel it's necessary to point out Jessica's non-existence so frequently. It plain worked in the story, though, because my six year old self believed in it wholeheartedly.

Overall, what I love about this book is its unique style of tackling an experience so many kids have - assertive in, and eventually abandoning imaginary friends. I absolutely loved the fact that Ruthie makes a existent friend at schoolhouse whose name is Jessica. I had an imaginary friend in babyhood whose proper noun - Lena Farina - appeared in the obituaries when I was in loftier school, so I'1000 particularly intrigued by the notion of imaginary friends who somehow evidence up in existent life. I besides liked that Ruthie relinquishes the imaginary Jessica on her own terms, and that the experience isn't traumatic and scarring, simply a positive coming of age experience that sets Ruthie on the path toward growing up. The repetition of the opening paragraph on the final page really brings the story full circumvolve to a very emotionally satisfying catastrophe.

Henkes does this kind of story so well - and plain he was doing so fashion back when, in 1988! This book doesn't feel dated in the to the lowest degree, and I tin imagine kids still relating to information technology quite easily. A really expert one, worth visiting and revisiting.

Read at Family Story Time on 3/14/11: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

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Kevin Henkes became an author/illustrator when he was nineteen years old, working on a card table in his bedroom.
Today he'due south the writer of many award-winning picture books and novels. Kevin Henkes became an author/illustrator when he was nineteen years old, working on a card table in his sleeping accommodation.
Today he's the author of many award-winning picture books and novels. ...more

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