The reader is asked each time to guess what Jack brings back. Combinations such as rats and cats in hats and a goat in a coat in a boat are just two of the fabulous collections of ridiculous characters and amusing costumes and situations Jack returns with for his owner. These laugh out loud scenarios are always met with ‘Silly Jack! Take them back!’
The wonderful rhyme, playful rhythm and repetition throughout the book makes it an enticing story for a beginner reader to use their predictive reading skills, as well as a fun read aloud for younger audiences as they try and guess the next hilarious treasure Jack manages to discover.
Jonathan’s bold and beautiful illustrations provide the reader with a most irresistible character, with the cheekiest of grins, an exceptional long lolling tongue and an ever-so-pleased smirk when he presents to his owner each of his amazing discoveries. The details in many of his illustrations are quite intricate as Jack discovers the wonders within a quite expansive park. Jack’s energy leaps from the pages as well as his very scruffy, shaggy coat and expressive eyes.
The book is dedicated to all the South East Queensland schools that inspired Jonathan to create this delightful character and who no doubt loved the opportunity to imagine all the combinations of rhyming possibilities this lovable dog could fetch in this madcap adventure.
A wonderful book to read, share and gift to young readers everywhere. It is one of those books you know will enjoy the ‘read it again (and again),’ status.
Title: What Jack Brought Back
Author: Jonathan Bentley
Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, $22.99
Publication Date: 29 September 2026
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760506957
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
The wonderful rhyme, playful rhythm and repetition throughout the book makes it an enticing story for a beginner reader to use their predictive reading skills, as well as a fun read aloud for younger audiences as they try and guess the next hilarious treasure Jack manages to discover.
Jonathan’s bold and beautiful illustrations provide the reader with a most irresistible character, with the cheekiest of grins, an exceptional long lolling tongue and an ever-so-pleased smirk when he presents to his owner each of his amazing discoveries. The details in many of his illustrations are quite intricate as Jack discovers the wonders within a quite expansive park. Jack’s energy leaps from the pages as well as his very scruffy, shaggy coat and expressive eyes.
The book is dedicated to all the South East Queensland schools that inspired Jonathan to create this delightful character and who no doubt loved the opportunity to imagine all the combinations of rhyming possibilities this lovable dog could fetch in this madcap adventure.
A wonderful book to read, share and gift to young readers everywhere. It is one of those books you know will enjoy the ‘read it again (and again),’ status.
Title: What Jack Brought Back
Author: Jonathan Bentley
Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, $22.99
Publication Date: 29 September 2026
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760506957
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
