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Jane's Jungle Adventure: Embrace Your Individuality
Join Jane in a magical jungle where unique animals teach her the power of individuality, kindness, and confidence in this inspiring children's story.
Welcome back to Kids Ask, Authors Answer, a joyful video series where children’s curiosity meets author creativity! Each episode brings together real kids and children’s book authors for a read-aloud followed by spontaneous, unscripted Q&A sessions.
The twist? The authors never see the questions ahead of time, so every answer is genuine, often funny, and always full of heart.
In this holiday edition, hosts Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els celebrate the magic of Christmas with Clyde the Reindeer Learns to Fly. It’s a heartwarming picture book about following your dreams and finding the courage to soar. After the story, kids get to ask the author their most imaginative (and adorable) questions.
Whether your little one loves reindeer, Christmas lights, or magical stories about bravery, this episode is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Amy Doslich is the author and illustrator behind the beloved Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series, a collection inspired by her two daughters. Her stories are known for their warmth, humor, and family-centered adventures.
Samantha Howard-Els brings her own sparkle as the creator of the Mungo series and Tiny Boo, books that mix kindness, curiosity, and Halloween fun.
This time they’re joined by Brandon Detwiler, author of the Amazing Critter Rescue Crew series which includes Clyde the Reindeer Learns to Fly. His stories are full of heart and adventure and show kids that courage, friendship, and a little magic can make anything possible.
The Story: Jane’s Journey to Self-Acceptance
Jane, a shy and curious girl, begins her day with uncertainty. The sun peeks through her window as her mother, a tall woman with red hair and a wide smile, encourages her to get up. Jane’s morning routine is filled with small joys—dancing to pop music, donning her big red glasses, and choosing a powder blue shirt and plaid skirt. Yet, beneath these rituals, Jane harbors a sense of not fitting in at school.
Her mother’s words set the tone for the day: “What makes you different makes you beautiful. It’s called individuality. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel less than that.” This message, though comforting, is put to the test as Jane boards the school bus and faces teasing from a classmate named Eric.
The Jungle of Individuality
Seeking solace, Jane drifts into a daydream—a lush, vibrant jungle teeming with life. Here, she meets three extraordinary animals: Tim the Tiger, sporting a mohawk; Avery the Ape, a chocolate-colored ape with spots; and Claire the Cheetah, adorned with long eyelashes and a bandana. Each animal possesses a unique trait that sets them apart, mirroring Jane’s own quirks.
Tim explains, “Tigers normally don’t have mohawks. This is something I was given that makes me special. Same thing with Avery and Claire. They both have unique features that make them stand out. Just like you, Jane.”
Jane’s adventure through the jungle is a celebration of difference. She encounters animals with special features, prompting her to reconsider her own uniqueness. The journey culminates at the “waterfall of strength,” a magical place where swimming is said to calm worries and instill confidence.
The Waterfall of Strength
Claire and Avery share their own struggles with being different, encouraging Jane to embrace her individuality. Claire says, “Life is certainly hard sometimes, even for strong animals like us.” Avery adds, “I’ve learned to love my spots, and Tim feels the same way about his mohawk.”
Tim invites Jane to swim in the waterfall, assuring her that sometimes people’s grumpiness is not about her, but about their own problems. With newfound courage, Jane dives in, symbolizing her acceptance of herself.
Returning to Reality
Jane awakens from her daydream as the bus arrives at school. She feels confident and strong, ready to face the day. At the end of school, she chooses her own seat on the bus and greets Eric with kindness. Her mother’s embrace at home is met with Jane’s affirmation: “My individuality makes me strong.”
Behind the Scenes: Author Insights and Easter Eggs
Jennifer Nestor revealed a delightful secret: her pets—a golden doodle named Winnie and two cats, Hermione and Binks—were included in the book’s illustrations by her illustrator, Victoria. These personal touches add warmth and authenticity to the story, inviting readers to look for these hidden companions as they turn the pages.
The Choice of Setting: Why a Jungle?
When asked why she chose a jungle as the setting, Jennifer explained that the jungle’s strong, primary animals—tigers, cheetahs, apes—provided a dynamic backdrop for Jane’s adventure. The jungle is both fun and symbolic, representing a place where diversity thrives and strength is celebrated.
Exploring Themes: Kindness, Uniqueness, and Empathy
A poignant question from a young reader asked why Eric was mean to Jane. Jennifer responded that Eric’s behavior was meant to set the stage for Jane’s emotional journey. The story demonstrates that while people may sometimes be unkind, it’s important to respond with kindness and not take their actions personally. This lesson is reinforced during the waterfall scene, where the animals discuss how others’ grumpiness often stems from their own struggles.
Embracing What Makes Us Unique
The jungle animals each have distinctive traits—a mohawk, spots, a bandana—that symbolize their individuality. Jane’s love of unicorns, her big red glasses, and her curiosity are celebrated as special qualities. The story encourages children to recognize and cherish what makes them different, rather than feeling ashamed or isolated.
The Power of Friendship and Support
Throughout her adventure, Jane is supported by her animal friends, who share their own experiences of feeling different. Their encouragement helps Jane see her strengths and face her fears. The narrative underscores the importance of friendship, empathy, and mutual support in overcoming challenges.
Creative Choices: Character Design and Symbolism
One of the most popular questions among young readers was about Tim the Tiger’s mohawk. Jennifer shared that she wanted Tim to have a cool, rocker style—something unique that would make him stand out and exude confidence. The mohawk became a fan favorite, symbolizing boldness and self-expression.
Claire the Cheetah’s Bandana
Claire’s bandana was inspired by the idea of a ninja—fast, sharp, and able to move unseen. The bandana is a unique trait that sets Claire apart, reinforcing the theme of individuality.
Avery the Ape’s Spots and Love of Chocolate
Avery’s spots and chocolate-colored fur were chosen to highlight his difference and strength. When asked if Avery likes chocolate, Jennifer confirmed that he does, adding a playful touch to his character.
Jane’s Glasses: A Detail with Meaning
A keen-eyed reader noticed that Jane dove into the waterfall with her glasses on. Jennifer explained that in the original sketches, the glasses were missing, but in the final illustration, they are seen floating behind her. This detail reflects Jane’s excitement and her willingness to embrace the moment, even if it means risking something precious.
The Author’s Perspective: Creativity and Uniqueness
When asked what makes her unique, Jennifer cited her creativity—a trait that has shaped both her writing and her career in marketing and communications. She encourages children to recognize their own special qualities, whether it’s artistic talent, curiosity, or kindness.
The Creative Process: Challenges and Triumphs
Jennifer shared that the most challenging part of writing the story was conveying the lesson about responding to unkindness. She wanted children to understand that others’ negative behavior is often not about them, and that kindness is a powerful response. Crafting this message in a way that was accessible and meaningful to young readers required careful thought and empathy.
Looking Ahead: The Adventures Continue
Jennifer teased the upcoming sequel, “Jane’s Carnival Adventure,” where Jane is joined by a new friend, Molly, and the jungle animals return in creative ways throughout the carnival setting. The series aims to continue exploring themes of individuality, friendship, and self-acceptance, with plans for a third book already in the works.
Lessons for Young Readers: Embracing Individuality
Jane’s journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance. Through her adventure in the jungle, she learns that her differences are strengths, not weaknesses. The story encourages children to celebrate what makes them unique and to approach life with confidence.
Responding to Unkindness with Kindness
The narrative provides a valuable lesson in empathy. When faced with teasing or bullying, Jane chooses kindness, understanding that others’ actions often reflect their own struggles. This approach fosters resilience and emotional intelligence.
The Value of Friendship and Support
Jane’s animal friends play a crucial role in her transformation. Their support and shared experiences help her see her own worth. The story highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with friends who uplift and encourage.
The Role of Imagination in Growth
Jane’s daydream is more than an escape—it’s a journey of self-discovery. Imagination allows her to process her feelings, confront her fears, and emerge stronger. The story celebrates the power of imagination as a tool for personal growth.
Encouraging Curiosity and Creativity
The Q&A session demonstrates the curiosity and creativity of young readers. Their questions reflect a deep engagement with the story and a desire to understand the characters’ motivations and experiences. Jennifer’s responses encourage children to ask questions, explore their interests, and express themselves.
Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality is more than a tale of adventure—it’s a celebration of what makes each of us special. Through Jane’s journey, children learn to embrace their individuality, respond to challenges with kindness, and find strength in friendship and self-acceptance.
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