Wazzyjump

by Michael Moniz (Illustrator)

Overview

Wazzyjump is a magical rabbit, but no one knows what his power is. The lion, ruler of the forest, wants to steal Wazzyjump's magic for himself. And so does the tricky fox. But these selfish rivals are about to learn an unexpected but very important lesson from the little rabbit, for Wazzyjump has a special talent that cannot be stolen. This is a heartwarming, beautifully illustrated fable about the importance of friendship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781897476581
Publisher:	Simply Read Books
Publication date:	03/13/2012
Pages:	44
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Michael Moniz was born in Toronto and raised for a time in the Azores islands. He began painting at a young age leading to commission works that have ranged from small iconography to wall size murals. His European background and his interest in ancient cultures have provided inspiration for much of his work. He currently works as an art director within the hospitality industry.

Read an Excerpt

From Wazzyjump by Michael Moniz:



A long time ago, in a little wooded forest not so far away, there lived a little brown rabbit named Wazzyjump.



It was rumored that Wazzyjump was a magical creature. Some animals thought he could run impossibly fast.



Others thought he could disappear at will. But no one really knew what powers he possessed...

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Canadian Materials Magazine, Review, 4/4 stars:
"Wazzyjump, written and illustrated by Michael Moniz, is a wonderfully enchanting tale. The story is of a lion and a fox who are both trying to snatch a rabbit’s supposed magic for themselves. It seems like a traditional sort of tale, though it’s kept interesting by the fact that it’s hard to figure out exactly where the story will go while you are reading it. While a story like this has the potential to be sad or disturbing in its conclusion, Wazzyjump is not so. This is a very gentle tale, and its resolution is definitely a happy one, with a simple message about the power of joy and friendship... Michael Moniz’s Wazzyjump is a delightful tale of mystery, discovery, and friendship. The story of Wazzyjump and his woodland friends is cute and charming. The illustrations are full of happy innocence, and they really highlight the talents of Moniz and his passion for painting. The wonder of Wazzyjump is present in each page of this tale, and it will be a great read for those looking for a good story told in a classically magical way."
 
 
Quill and Quire Review
"The first book by Toronto artist Michael Moniz features illustrations with considerable appeal, both for their soft, luminous colours and for the delicacy with which they convey a sense of lively movement. The sunshine that bathes the pictures, the rabbit silhouettes on every page and on the endpapers, and the leafy scrollwork decorating some of the pictures and letters all give the book an old-fashioned charm. Though the art is the main attraction here, Moniz’s story has a satisfying inevitability, and his text, for the most part, reads aloud quite well. This is a gentle and appealing book, one with a clear message about the power of having fun."
 
Calgary Herald Review
"In a far-off forest there lives a little rabbit named Wazzyjump, who has magical powers. No one understand just exactly what his magical powers are, but he is rumoured to be able to leap and move in ways that no normal bunny should be. All of the animals of the forest want to find Wazzyjump and discover his secret. Some, like sly fox, in order to steal the powers for themselves. Some, like bear, just to see what all the fuss is about. Wazzyjump goes about his cheerful, friendly life. It's pleasing to see how Wazzyjump uses his "magic" to win over each new friend."

Editorial Reviews

The forest animals rarely see Wazzy-jump the rabbit, but rumors of his speed and disappearing ability have spread. Lion believes Wazzyjump has magical powers and plots to steal them: “Search the forest,” he commands. “Find Wazzyjump and bring him to me.” It’s an oddly heavy moment in an otherwise sunny story. First-time author/illustrator Moniz’s softly colored watercolors signal benevolence and light; butterflies and birds flit through the forest, and all the animals (except the lion) wear smiles. Patient and clever, Fox is the first to find Wazzyjump, but instead of capturing him, he ends up playing with Wazzyjump, dodging, jumping, and laughing. When Lion finally finds Wazzyjump, he too is disarmed, and his greed for power turns to laughter. Wazzyjump isn’t crafty or sly—he just does what he does best, and in doing so transforms his adversaries. Although it would take skill to elicit the idea in discussion, Moniz introduces the concept of nonviolent confrontation. And despite some awkward dialogue (“What should we do?” “Wow! I don’t know”), the story works as a straightforward adventure, too. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

CTTC Recommended Read 2014

Canadian Materials Magazine, Review, 4/4 stars:
"Wazzyjump, written and illustrated by Michael Moniz, is a wonderfully enchanting tale. The story is of a lion and a fox who are both trying to snatch a rabbit’s supposed magic for themselves. It seems like a traditional sort of tale, though it’s kept interesting by the fact that it’s hard to figure out exactly where the story will go while you are reading it. While a story like this has the potential to be sad or disturbing in its conclusion, Wazzyjump is not so. This is a very gentle tale, and its resolution is definitely a happy one, with a simple message about the power of joy and friendship... Michael Moniz’s Wazzyjump is a delightful tale of mystery, discovery, and friendship. The story of Wazzyjump and his woodland friends is cute and charming. The illustrations are full of happy innocence, and they really highlight the talents of Moniz and his passion for painting. The wonder of Wazzyjump is present in each page of this tale, and it will be a great read for those looking for a good story told in a classically magical way."
 
 
Quill and Quire Review
"The first book by Toronto artist Michael Moniz features illustrations with considerable appeal, both for their soft, luminous colours and for the delicacy with which they convey a sense of lively movement. The sunshine that bathes the pictures, the rabbit silhouettes on every page and on the endpapers, and the leafy scrollwork decorating some of the pictures and letters all give the book an old-fashioned charm. Though the art is the main attraction here, Moniz’s story has a satisfying inevitability, and his text, for the most part, reads aloud quite well. This is a gentle and appealing book, one with a clear message about the power of having fun."
 
Calgary Herald Review
"In a far-off forest there lives a little rabbit named Wazzyjump, who has magical powers. No one understand just exactly what his magical powers are, but he is rumoured to be able to leap and move in ways that no normal bunny should be. All of the animals of the forest want to find Wazzyjump and discover his secret. Some, like sly fox, in order to steal the powers for themselves. Some, like bear, just to see what all the fuss is about. Wazzyjump goes about his cheerful, friendly life. It's pleasing to see how Wazzyjump uses his "magic" to win over each new friend."

From the Publisher

Everyone seeks the magic of the little brown rabbit, but what exactly is it? All the creatures in the forest have heard of Wazzyjump, the most mysterious creature who lives there. His magic is legendary, but no one seems able to describe it. Lion cannot stand the idea that any animal is more powerful than himself, and he vows to catch Wazzyjump and question him. Learning of this plan, the clever fox decides to search as well...for himself. He happens upon the sleeping rabbit, and the duo ends up laughing and playing all afternoon. The other animals get wind of this and decide to follow the fox the next day. At last, they will have their answer. When they find the rabbit and the fox, the lion tries to pounce on Wazzyjump, again and again, but the rabbit is too quick for him. The lion becomes frustrated beyond roaring, and the only thing that's left to do...is laugh! Soon everyone in the forest is laughing and playing together; and when the lion asks Wazzyjump to explain his magic, the quick little rabbit replies, "What magic?" Moniz's animals have a childlike quality and a soft focus that support his valuable message, which is presented with an admirably light touch. The visual transformation of both the lion and the fox from predator to playmate borders on...the magical. Sublime. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews