Member Reviews
This is a very cute story, but the rhyme is a little clumsy and might have used a touch of editorial polish.
Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own
I felt like this story would be amazing for any child to learn inclusivity and just how to be a good human in general. When reading this book, I saw a lot of my childhood personality in Jane, and I'm sure many others will as well. The information on Down syndrome after the story was informative but used excellent language to explain to a child.
I grabbed this book to read with my 5 year old daughter who’s a little extra herself. She loved the book and I thought it was a great way to help her understand her larger than life feelings and personality through an engaging and sweet story.
When I was reading out loud, it was hard to get the cadence sometimes, but overall it was a lovely book with pretty illustrations.
What a beautiful idea for a book, and it takes the word "extra" and makes it into a positive.
Jayne is such a sweet and loveable character, the only downside to this book is the books format, which can be fixed.
the illustrations are cute.
Although beautifully illustrated in a vintage watercolor style that is sure to appeal to caregivers, the text of this little picture book is unwieldy for reading aloud, making it a challenging book to recommend in a library setting. Independent readers who pick it up hoping for something like Lola Dutch (by Kenneth Wright), Eloise (by Kay Thompson), or Big (by Vashti Harrison) may struggle to engage with the soft vintage images as the story itself is similarly soft, with little to hold their attention and few details to encourage repeated reading. While the end matter is interesting and potentially helpful for some readers, this volume is unlikely to circulate with assistance and smaller libraries with limited shelf space may want to pass. Thank you to NetGalley for access to this arc.
A Little Extra Jayne is such a delightful book. Jayne is Jayne, and she knows who she is: she's extra. Extra kind, extra helpful, extra joy. She sees the world in the best of ways, ans she shares that with everyone around her. Jayne is a little extra, and that's wonderful.
I've often heard the term "extra" as a derogatory term when referring to others, so it was a delightful twist to see how Jayne owned being "extra". Her "extra-ness" made those around her delight in the big and little things, and by the end of the book Jayne had me grinning ear to ear. She was a delightful character, and I was pleased to have known her. Consider my surprise when I read the notes at the end - Jayne is the author's daughter, and she was born with Down's Syndrome. Summer Anderson has created a lovely book that is enjoyable in it's own right, but she's also opened up conversations for those who are curious, may not understand, or perhaps have someone in their own life with Down's. I so value books like this that function together or separately, and I will definitely be sharing this book with others.
Thank you so much to Jumelle Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Jayne has something extra about her and she spreads it wherever she goes, from giving out extra love, to putting on a show for the family, to playing with her sister and so much more, everything she does she does it extra.
I loved this so much, what an absolutely beautiful story about a beautiful girl. She enjoys everything about her life and her family and friends enjoy having her around. I love that everything she does, she adds an extra touch to it all. I also love that the story shares how wonderful she is as a person and that until the end unless you know about her before reading you don’t realise she has Down Syndrome, she’s such a happy, beautiful fun child.
The illustrations were just stunning on each page seeing everything Jayne gets up to in a day, how much fun she has with everything. I also loved that at the end you find out so many facts about Down Syndrome, I always love the inclusion of additional facts. We also got a family photo which was so sweet seeing her and how accurately the illustration were done of them all.
This is such a fun and beautiful read, Jayne is adorable and I’m so happy she has a book now, so many other families of Down Syndrome children will adore the representation and other children will just adore this sweet book and learn about Down Syndrome. I highly recommend this book, it’s so wonderfully made and so adorable to read.
Initially I was attracted to this book by its cover and the clever spelling of the name Jayne, which is how it is spelled in my family. While I found the illustrations darling, the prose fell flat for me. I didn't realize until the author's note that the "extra" something special in Jayne started with her Down Syndrome. I think I would have liked the book much better if that were emphasized more, because there truly is something spectacular about Downs kiddos and rereading the book with that in mind definitely helped (although there were some rhyming/meter issues throughout).
Also, I went to post my review on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub, but was unable to find the listing.
This book is a "little extra" in all the best ways! Extra whimsy with the vintage-like illustrations. Extra read-aloud quality with the lyrical rhyme scheme. Extra fun as Jayne spreads her positive attitude, her zest for fun, and her love of laughter everywhere she goes. Extra inclusive as the extra not only refers to the extra happy ways Jayne shares her joy but also to her extra chromosome as a child with Down syndrome. Jayne is extra in all the best ways, and we think the extra time you take to read and discuss with your Littles will be extra special!
What a gorgeous sweet tribute from mother to daughter!
This book was so sweet and special from cover to cover, and it had the perfect details for the reader to get to know the real Jayne. I love that this story was educational about inclusivity of disabilities without being “in your face”. I also love that Jayne’s personality was able to shine through before the reader was made aware that she has Down’s syndrome. While that diagnosis is a part of her….she is so much more.
It was really great to have a picture of the Jayne included at the end of the book as well as facts about those who do have an extra chromosome.
Adding this sweet book to our collection immediately! Happy to have more resources that feature characters with Down Syndrome.
A sweet story about how everyone has something that makes them alike and also unique. Jayne has an extra chromosome (though I learned that in the afterword) and through the story she shows her "extra" self that is extra excited, compassionate, caring, and joyful. She shares those parts of herself wherever she goes.
I love these kinds of stories that anyone can relate to, whether just a rambunctious child or someone who is truly "extra" and different. Let those things shine through, just like Jayne!
Children’s picture book reviews part two 🪁📚🧸
B is for Belonging by Shannon Anderson (publish date August 5) This book teaches such a beautiful outtake on life and what is so important. “A is for when you accept others without judging them and don’t ask them to change” The concepts, the illustrations, the conversations to come from reading this book, and the takeaway was incredible. Every preschool should begin the year with this book. Phenomenally done! @teachercreatedmaterial
100 Words from the Street by Sesame Workshop (publish date is September 30) Such a fun interactive book, and wonderful for this key words to help your little one learn and express to you. My son loved the pictures, and has read it over and over! Highly recommend. @sesameworkshop
The World is Awaiting You by Marianne Richmond (publish date is September 2) It’s in my Amazon cart already for preorder. This book is so precious, and teaches kids to be themselves and have their own spark in this world! To shine bright, and never change what they love! I can’t wait to have this as a staple bedtime story in our home. This would make a beautiful gift! @mariannerichmondwriter @sourcebookskids
The I Can Say Goodnight Book by Stephanie Cohen (publish date is September 30) Created by a speech pathologist, this book is adorable and helps with early speech! My son loves this book. I always want to make sure we are introducing the right words, the right ways, and this is wonderfully put together! @learntotalkwithme @sourcebookskids
Pasta These are Fun Names to Say by Felice Ariana (publish date September 30) My kids giggled and giggled with this book! Such a fun bedtime story book. @felice.arianna
Athletes Who Changed the Game by James Buckley (publish date August 5) My son absolutely devoured this book! Such a fun book for kids to follow along with sports. A great book to hold their attention, and have fun conversations with. @buxtagram @sourcebookskids
A Little Extra Jayne by Summer Adamson (publish date September 23) Every girl needs this book. This is the most precious story, with the most quaint illustrations. The story was so heart felt. Beautifully done! @a_little_extra_jayne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Little Extra Jayne by Summer Adamson
Oh my gosh, this book—I was so excited when I read the title and saw the cover because I was hoping the “little extra” in the title was referring to a child with an extra-chromosome—and it was! My granddaughter has an extra-chromosome too.
The cover shows an obviously happy girl in a dress, wearing a crown, balancing gracefully on one foot while holding a star-wand in one hand and throwing glitter with the other.
This read-along picture book about a seven-year-old girl named Jayne who has Down syndrome is filled with joy.
The story, told through rhyming lines and delightful illustrations by Julie Wells, shows Jayne engaging in many activities and adding extra special things like wonder, encouragement and excitement to everyone’s day.
At the end of this inclusive book is a list of facts about Down syndrome, inclusion reminders, and some other resources.
The book is designed for readers aged 5-8.
Publication Date September 24, 2024
Jumelle Press
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I loved this story about a little girl who is just a bit "extra!" The story itself doesn't tell the reader, but it is based on the author's daughter who has Downs Syndrome - an extra chromosome! I loved the illustrations - they were 'old fashioned" in a good way. Beautiful story and book!
This is a story about a little girl named Jayne, who is a little extra.
The illustrations in the book are lovely and the colour palette is very soft and dreamy almost.
The book itself was cute, but it wasn’t until the author’s note at the end of the book that I realized Jayne had Down Syndrome. I wish this was clearer in the illustrations, or mentioned even briefly somewhere in the story. Unless you are reading the back description or the author’s note to a child, they would not know that just from listening to the story.
However, after knowing this I do like the book more. Disability representation in often missing from books in general, and it’s amazing finding good kids books that features it. This would be a book I would want to include in my children’s collection.
What a gorgeous tribute to this very real little girl! Jayne is sweet, delightful, and yes, maybe a little extra. She brings her own light to the world and is such a loved young lady. This is wonderful.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
My heart! What a lovely read this was. 𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔 𝗝𝗔𝗬𝗡𝗘 is one special girl’s story and what an engaging story it is. I enjoyed following Jayne and her fun filled daily routine. Her positive outlook on life was contagious and I found myself smiling as I read this. It’s underlying message of inclusion and finding joy in the little yet big things in life was truly precious. A lovely addition to any personal or classroom library. Enjoy!