Just Enough
By Teri Daniels
Illustrated by Harley Jessup
2000
Synopsis
In Teri Daniels' rhythmic text a child celebrates all the things that he can do just right--he's old enough to feed fish, bold enough to hold a worm, yet sweet enough to give a gift. And that's just the beginning. As the story subtly moves through the day, he discovers that there is so much more that he can do--all by himself! Harley Jessup's innovative use of perspective, color and design playfully convey a small boy's exhilarating steps toward independence.
Excerpt
Brave
enough to say good night
a pillow puff
just enough
feels so right
tucked in tight...
night
Reviews and Recognition
Riverbank Review: "The true charm of Teri Daniels and Harley Jessup's Just Enough emerges when the text is read aloud. Daniels follows an activity-filled day of one red-haired boy, and the infectious rhythm in [Daniels's] descriptions makes the boy’s delight irresistible." [A top 10 picture book choice of the year, nominated for the Books of Distinction 2001 award.]
Kirkus: "The exuberant rhythm of the verses sweeps readers up, while Jessup’s vibrantly hued illustrations burst with vitality. . . A lively tale celebrating the wonders of childhood."
SLJ: "A delightful glimpse of a happy, confident child."
Booklist: "A young boy’s burgeoning independence is joyfully depicted in words and pictures as he narrates his feelings and activities throughout the day."
PW: "Rather than describe their preschool hero in terms of snips and snails and puppy dog tails, Daniels and Jessup rely on 19 simple but evocative and always affirming adjectives for inspiration, such as "small," "strong," "quick," and "wild."...a bona fide boys’ paradise."