I almost did not read Jibberjack, Fibberjack: A Made-Up Monster Mystery book. The cover illustration was a bit on the silly side and I was thinking, “eh, maybe not.” Yet, something told me I needed to. Now, this is not the WOWY BEST EVER book, but it was funny, clever and has just enough of an edge to it that makes it great for multiple ages. The elements will charm kid readers and adults will want more of this great clue finding detective. The silly images actually added to things and now I am a fan.
But that is not to say that Stefanie Gamarra’s text isn’t good. It is, in fact, really good. Once I got into things; once I was following the clues along with our detective; I was right there beside her, learning “Who Done It!” It is clever and amusing. There is a lot to pay attention to and not just what you see in Marta Pilosio’s illustrations.
I read via an online reader copy, but when it comes out in April 2026 I might find a finished copy to find the format of things. I was not sure if it was more in the novel format or in a longer picture book format. Though the reading level is around first to second grade, with almost any age being read to. Though, due to the lack of traditional “action story” it might not be for the younger readers (under five) or the ones who have a harder time sitting and listening to a story as it is on the longer side. Also, pay attention to the front and back end pages, as there is a little something that you’ll want to pay attention to.
