"If I lived in the jungle I could be a black jaguar with a long black tail."
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If I Lived in the Jungle by Amy L. Kaiser Trafford Publishing
book review by Michael Radon
Addressing the reader directly, this book challenges children to use their imagination in creative and playful ways. Describing the plant and animal life in the jungle and then asking the reader or audience how they can act out each of the things listed in the book, this book is as fun to perform with children as it is to read to them. It ends on an open-ended question, inquiring what the child reading, or being read to, would be if they lived in the jungle, creating an explorative dialogue or imaginative prompt that can lead to fun games or educational discussion.
The story is not long, making a good read for before bed to inspire a child's dream, or it can be extended by incorporating sessions of make-believe or looking up pictures or videos of the animals as they are discussed. Because the title asks the reader so many questions, it is ideal for stopping and starting as we take the opportunity to ask questions or pretend along with the narrator. Illustrations by C. R. Macomber are bright, hand-drawn, and depict some initial ideas for how to pretend to be the various creatures named throughout the course of the book. The language and the concepts make it ideal for children from approximately age 2 to 8, though it's a fun read for any parent and child who like to imagine, pretend, and explore together.