Like Jake and Me

by Mavis Jukes Lloyd Bloom

Illus. in full color. "Timid Alex strives to be like his rugged cowboy stepfather, and the two find a common bond when Alex 'rescues' Jake from a wolf spider. Jukes' quiet observations are unfaltering in their perceptiveness. Radiant full-page pastel illustrations serve as a striking counterpoint. This is an uplifting celebration of a new family's understanding, acceptance and love that resonates with truth and humor."--(starred) "School Library Journal."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

26 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 1984

Reviews

[Amalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a brief story about an episode in the life of Alex and his stepfather, Jake. The two are not close, and a wolf spider on the porch brings them both the opportunity to start building a relationship. Since the story is so short, there is much left out. And the episode with the spider can read like slapstick. Yet, the author is obviously skilled with subtle detail to help round out the story. I could see this modified only slightly into a short story for young adults rather than a picture book.

[Mary Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Jake and Me is a story about a young boy trying to adjust to life with a stepfather. The young boy is having trouble building a relationship with his stepfather because he feels like they do not have many things in common. This would be a good book to have in a classroom library for students who may have stepparents. They can feel comfort knowing that it is not uncommon to have a stepparent in the family.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short, one revealing episode in the r'ship. Well written, with all the details. Some kids might remember Jake getting almost naked, or the pears in the bottle, or the boy, Alex, doing ballet, or the boy's own dad being an entomologist... but first they'd have to get past the art work. It grew on me as the style became more relevant, but I don't think it's kid friendly, nor do I like it. And that may be why this book isn't more popular.

Enjoyed at openlibrary.org.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Review: Like Jake and Me is a fabulous example of a book that says a lot with very few words. Little Alex is trying to help his step-father, Jake, but is usually brushed off with that age-old phrase, “Maybe another time.” Then comes a moment in time when Alex helps Jake—in this instance, Alex realizes that even a grown man and a ‘real’ cowboy can have fears that seem just as simple as his own, and Jake realizes that Alex is a person, too. We see a very sweet bonding moment between a boy and a man who are trying to form a new family. It is very perceptive for such a short book, and deserves multiple readings to discover the many layers. For a child, it’s a fun story of a boy helping a man find a spider. For an adult, it’s a touching reminder of those moments where we learn from and grow closer to our children. Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

VIOLENCE: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: Very Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

This sweet little book has no profanity, no violence, and no sexual content. One character undresses piece by piece searching for a poisonous spider, and there is a picture, but there are strategically placed hats and shadows, so nothing is seen; it is rather humorous. The themes are very mild and include overcoming your fears, and realizing that whether adult or child, we are not all that different on the inside. Like Jake and Me is written for very young readers, and is most definitely a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 9+!

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Yearling for a review

To see more fantastic books reviewed with content in mind, visit us at Squeaky Clean Reads!!

[Cassie Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might have enjoyed it a bit more if I had been prepared for the spider.

[Nicole Prescott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book for a few reasons. The relationship between the two main characters, Jake and Alex, is not explained and I still do not know what it is (I would guess either a step-father or an uncle and nephew). The book is very odd because Alex keeps trying to impress Jake but he does not notice and gives him a hard time about things (chopping wood, lighting a fire, doing ballet). Then the last part of the book Jake has a spider on him and he takes off all of his clothes in front of Alex because he cannot find it. Then there is the mother characer, Virginia, who is pregnant with twins and is growing pears and trying to trick her sister to believe the pears grew in a bottle...it was a strange addition to the book that was not explained and just confused me even more. The illustrations were very detailed but there was a lot of text on each page which may be challenging for younger students, especially because the sentences and conversations do not make much sense together.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like Jake and Me is a fresh, unorthodox approach to the connection between a boy and his stepfather, relaying the story of one small event that brings them together for the first time as a real father and son.

Mavis Jukes writes in detail of what happens after Jake's young stepson Alex spots a wolf spider on Jake's neck after they both take a walk in the woods one day. Alex tries to warn Jake about the creeping arachnid, but a communication gap between what Alex is saying and how Jake interprets it leads to the icebreaking climax which shows that while Jake and Alex have different personal styles, what's important is their new family bond. Alex is small, but there will always be things only he can help his stepfather accomplish.

This is a nice story that makes for a picture book of better depth than usual.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

1984 Like Jake and Me by Mavis Jukes (Knopf, Inc.)
Newberry Award Winner
Early Childhood Books
Odd. Odd. Odd. Alex's mom is pregnant and he is trying desperately to connect with his stepfather. His big and tough stepfather doesn't talk much and doesn't want him to help with whatever he's working on. Alex sees a spider go into his stepfather's shirt and tells him about it. His stepfather is horribly afraid of spiders and in an attempt to get the spider off of him, he takes off ALL OF HIS CLOTHES. While the spider scare brought them closer together, I thought this was very strange so I had my 13yr old son read it. He had the same take on it as I did. ODD. I wouldn't recommend this book esp. for early childhood reading.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

1985 Newbery Honor Book

This is a picture book but there's a whole page of text for every picture so it's a more advanced picture book. I wanted to enjoy it but it didn't impress me

The boy in this story is distant from his stepfather, a big cowboy type. He discovers a wolf spider only to discover that his stepfather is arachnophobic. It creates a bonding moment but the whole story seems superficial to me.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the pastel paintings by Lloyd Bloom! This a sweet small moments story about Alex a small boy wanting to help his step father Jake. When a wolf spider incident helps them to bond. This would be great for a realistic fiction unit for grades 3-5. This would also be a great companion book for a nonfiction read on wolf spiders or a mentor text for a small moments writing unit as well as unit on family.

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because it was a Newbery Honor. It is a very short read about the growing relationship between a boy and his stepfather. Because of its brevity, some details are never mentioned, like what happened to the boy's father. I was surprised that this book was a Newbery Honor - it's a cute story but nothing spectacular.

[Christina Fonner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good, nothing that stuck out to me in a fun way. However, what brought my attention the most is the pictures and how the artist made them in a smothered or smeared way. The colors blended in so nicely, but I don't think this story is anything better without these wonderful pictures and way the lines are drawn.

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique book about a farm, a boy with a loose tooth, his pregnant mother, his stepfather and a spider. It's a Newberry Honor Book. It's very realistic, like the same situation could happen to anyone on any given day. It is also quite touching, about a boy's growing relationship with his stepfather. I enjoyed it.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deals with stepfathers in a sweet and humorous way. The illustrations are lovely. There is a partially naked man in it, but the way it is handled is funny and playful. Read it and decide for yourself.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, I had to wonder... why is there a picture of a naked cowboy in this book and is it appropriate for kids? It turned out to be hilarious. I love the way the story breaks down gender stereotypes. Also, I am a step parent so I love stories with happy families like mine.

[Marquita Davis]

This is short story, but a powerful one. It's about a boy and his new stepfather. The boy tries to help out, but the stepfather doesn't really want him in the way and they end up having a bonding moment. It's Newbery Honorable.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very endearing story about a boy and his stepfather. I don't think it deserved a Newbery Honor, though. It's too short to develop into anything spectacular. I think it would've been an excellent Caldecott choice, however.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Jake and Me (Hardcover)
by Mavis Jukes
what an endearing story, of a man and an young boy learning to bond. The pictures are amazing, and the story is just the sweetest thing i have run across in a long time .

[Amber Scaife · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is about a young boy bonding with his stepfather over the idea that everyone, no matter how strong and brave he looks, has something he fears.
Short but very warm and sweet, and with lovely illustrations.

[Lara's]

Synopsis :
Review :
Critical Reviews :

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Newbery Honor Book, but also a picture book. A boy and his stepfather grow closer when they realize they are more alike than they thought.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Newberry honor

[Brian Cave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex desperately wants to bond with his rough edged step-father. This doesn't happen until Alex saves Jake from a nasty spider bite. Then there is a everlasting bond that forms.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strange book, with partial male nudity. I think 3 1/2 stars. It is a quick read.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

A stepfather and stepson grow closer together when a spider gets lost in Jake's coat. Alex agrees to help his stepfather find it!

[Lisa Houlihan]

GR link

[Sarah Musser mcalister · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story about a boy and his stepfather.

[Carterkempgmail.Com · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touching family portrait, short, simple. In a different mood I might rate this higher.

[Madelyn K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!You will LOVE it

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars