Halibut Jackson

This is one of three titles from our local library's online catalogue that I put "on hold" so it would be waiting for me and the Littles (my grand daughters, ages 6 and 8) when we arrived.

I selected it for us because, well, because I loved the cover. I would like me a blouse just like that. :)

Halibut Jackson is shy. So shy that he does not like to stand out. So, he creates outfits for himself that will cleverly blend into the surroundings. Until one day, he has a special invitation by the Queen to attend a party.

We were sitting at the little center coloring table and reading the books out loud to one another. When we came to the page showing the official RSVP invitation to Halibut from the Queen, my naturally very out going 6 year old show more Little, Miss E, said she would love to go. I asked, "To see the gold? The silver? The gems? The people all dressed up? Ooo, how about seeing the queen?"

She said, "Yes, AND they might have CUPCAKES!"

Five stars to any book that has all three of us cracking up. Even if it isn't "in" the book. show less

A hopeless agoraphobic becomes celebrated at court for his outlandish dress sense. He exacts appropriate revenge on a hostile world by convincing the upper echelons of his society to dress as badly as himself.

A delightful story about a little man with a funny name and a triangle shaped body who is painfully shy. He designs outfits that allow him to fully blend in to his surroundings. This works until he mistakenly makes a very decorative outfit for the king's birthday party, which turns out to be held in the garden, which only makes Halibut stand out more... The lesson here is that sometimes you can't control life, and you need to make the most of it!

Personal Response: I was so impressed by the clothing worn by Halibut Jackson. Even before he began making clothes, I was impressed by his whimsical outfits.
Curricular Connection: In a Second Grade classroom, students can discuss why Halibut Jackson always wants to blend in. Is it a good thing when he shows up at the garden party and everyone can actually see him?