Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 18 Dec 2025

Jeremiah by Jane Blackham

It is always a joy to see a new book that reworks the idea of a portal that transports a child from the mundane, everyday world to a more magical place. I often talk about this with children in schools and we try to remember as many as we can including wardrobes, rabbit holes, mirrors, secret doors, flying carpets and magic beds. Then we are inspired to create other possibilities, but so far nobody has suggested a pair of enchanted spectacles.

The cover of this charming self-published picture book shows a confident young boy looking out at the reader, framed in photo album fashion against a strong turquoise background. When I shared it recently with a five-year-old, he rightly commented that this would be the central character in the story. We soon get to know all about Jeremiah and his family who live happily together ’in a second-floor flat overlooking a small park, situated in a bustling and busy town.’

I was pleased about this, because it is still relatively unusual to represent ordinary, modest, urban homes, despite this being the lived experience of most children. The very simple and colourful illustrations show the family making good use of the park with their dog Fluffy and I liked the lushness of the grass and trees which emphasises how green spaces can be beautiful spaces to enjoy.

Jeremiah is lucky to live in such a pleasant place but he is also able to enjoy a weekly trip to visit his grandparents who live in big old house in the nearby countryside. We lingered on the page that showed him sitting and smiling in their flower filled garden making daisy chains. What a strong atmosphere of calm warmth and pleasure, without a screen in sight!

After a while he hears a tiny voice and is astonished to find ‘a golden pair of wire spectacles with no lenses’ hidden underneath a hedge. My cautious friend warned that Jeremiah should be very careful before picking them up and looking through them but, remembering the power of portals, I was all for it! Once they are on his face, he is transported to a pirate ship where he meets a talking parrot with his crew.

But because I don’t want to spoil your reading enjoyment, I will leave it to you to discover what happens next, and whether he returns safely back to the beautiful garden.

I recommend this picture book, although I personally think that the detailed and plentiful illustrations would work effectively without quite so much text. I predict that Jeremiah might be due to have further adventures in the future and so look forward to reading all about them. It is available to order for £6.99 (+£3.80 postage) from the author, email: jane.a.cox@live.co.uk        

Karen Argent

December 2025