Can Anybody Hear Me? Book

Jack is a quiet young boy who lives on a farm with a boisterous and noisy family. He has a huge problem. It seems as if no one ever listens to him or comprehends what he is saying. When Jack tells his family that he plans to climb a mountain, he receives responses such as "One or two pancakes?" or "I'm going to knit you a nice new sweater." Nevertheless, Jack decides to ascend the great mountain with only his teddy bear, Chester, for company. When he finally reaches the still and quiet peak he shouts with all his might, "Can anybody hear me?" To his surprise, Chester responds "I have always heard you." Jack's voice becomes stronger through encounters with a lost wolf cub, a fierce grizzly bear and a lone owl. When he realizes he is lost, it is Jack's booming voice which leads his parents to find him and bring him safely back home. The story ends with Jack relaying his mountain adventure to his family while they sit in rapt attention, listening to his every word. Jessica Meserve has written a humourous, yet poignant, tale about the importance of finding one's place in the world. Although Jack's family is loving towards him, he feels unimportant and on the periphery of the comings and goings of family life. Young readers will relate to Jack's tribulations and rejoice with him as he gains confidence through the encouragement of his loyal teddy bear who has always believed in him. Meserve's colourful and vivacious illustrations of western farm life and the personalities of each character (animal and human) are delightful. Her digital artwork is uninhibited and large of spirit, mirroring the busyness and fast tempo of Jack's environment. Can Anybody Hear Me? is a story with a message well worth reading and listening to!

Reviewed by Senta Ross in Canadian Children's Book News
Spring 2009 VOL.32 NO.2