'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 7 November 2018

Review: Invisible Jerry

Adam Wallace’s wonderful new book on being invisible will surely strike a chord with lots of readers who have experienced that state, or perhaps their children have. 

It’s an eye-opener that calls attention to shy or self-conscious children, even quiet ones that become forgotten, become part of the background, or the couch, or the wall. 

They remain unseen and unheard for various reasons connected to their character or lack of visible attraction


Jerry is one of these children; the ones who stand back; an observer, never a participator. Someone who is never chosen but still has something to offer if given the chance. 


Illustrator Guiseppe Poli has perfectly captured Jerry’s isolation in his poignant first double spread reflecting loneliness within a crowd. He is the only one shown in colour; longing to be seen but not. All the other characters are presented as animated and in grey tones. These depictions of Jerry’s invisibility continue until he meets Molly.

Molly shows interest in Jerry; in what he is thinking and saying. She shares things with him. She made him feel like a real person. And this feeling has a flow-on effect. Jerry learns to recognize this invisibility in others, and sets out to repair that unseen state.

This moving picture book is about having value as a person, being paid attention and listened to; about the human need to share thoughts and feelings with others. It is a book for adults as well as children who have remained unnoticed at times. I’d like to believe that there has been a Jerry or a Molly that has looked their way, and approached them with interest to discover the wealth inside that has been waiting to be shared.

Title: Invisible Jerry
Author: Adam Wallace
Illustrator: Giuseppe Poli
Publisher: EK Books, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925335781
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book