Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 14 Jun 2026

Jeremiah in the Jungle by Jane Blackham

As I very much enjoyed the first picture book by this author/ illustrator, I was delighted to receive a review copy of her latest publication which continues the adventures of the eponymous hero.

Once again, the cover shows us a confident and happy boy, this time against a lusciously coloured background using a palette of mostly strong greens and vibrant oranges. On the turn of the page, I liked the way in which the reader is reminded of the characters with their very different homes where the first story was set. Once again, Jeremiah is excited to remember what happens when he puts on the magic golden spectacles that he found under a hedge in his grandparents huge garden.

 The first few pages give us a glimpse of his many exploits that include him riding on the back of Terence, the blue turtle, as they circled the Pirate Parrot Ship. He knows that he has the power to be able to enjoy being with his many curious friends in this parallel world, but also to be able to return to his grandparents’ garden in time for tea by taking off the spectacles. What child wouldn’t enjoy being able to do this without any interference from adults? Indeed, we are specifically told that he is in charge of his adventure, because he always waits for his parents, grandparents and little sister to all suitably occupied before he goes to find the magic spectacles hidden in the usual place under the hedge.

This time he is astonished to find himself transported to ‘a jungle of vines, trees, plants and large colourfully patterned flowers of different shapes and colours’ along with a range of unusually loud sounds from of hidden creatures and a strong heavy, perfume.  He is a confident and intrepid young boy who decides to explore the exciting new environment treading carefully through the ’lumpy and squishy’ layer of leaves beneath his feet. When he starts to feel rather hungry, he is surprised to see a big basket filled with tasty looking fruit descend from the trees on a thick rope.

This is soon followed by a talking monkey who introduces himself as ‘Long Tail’ and explains that Feathers (the Pirate Parrot) has asked him to look after him in the jungle. He is soon joined by George the Gorilla, Hetty the Hippopotamus, Peter the Parrot, and a host of other smiling animals who make him feel very welcome. As you might expect, they go on to have a fantastic time playing together and swinging happily through the trees.

When Jeremiah eventually decides to take off the spectacles he finds himself safely back in the garden. Fluff the puppy is there to greet him and he promises to take him along on the next adventure – something to look forward to.

I recommend this lavishly illustrated picture book which gives children the chance to use their imaginations and to escape to a safe but thrilling world filled with adventure.  It is available to order from the author’s e mail, jane.a.cox@live.co.uk  

Karen Argent

June 2026