Jackson Jones Series by Jenn Kelly

"You were created by the Author, on purpose and for a purpose. Everyone and everything was created by the Author. The Author has written a story for everyone, and he knows how it turns out."

The world is full of books that are not original, following in the same tired footsteps walked by countless writers. Even when a story is unique, not too often is the author's voice so recognizable you would know it anywhere. Sometimes it hardly even matters how you liked the story itself; you keep reaching for the next one, because nobody else writes like they do.

I'd like to tell you about two wildly creative, wonderful books from the most original author ever. Jackson Jones: The Tale of a Boy, an Elf, and a Very Stinky Fish, and Jackson Jones: The Tale of a Boy, a Troll, and a Rather Large Chicken, by Jenn Kelly.

Jackson is a completely ordinary ten-year-old boy, with brown hair, a nice smile, two siblings, and no friends. Not only has his family just moved, he's the smallest kid in sixth grade. "Yes, he should have been in fifth grade, but after a ten-minute coffee break (which included an unpleasant piece of fruitcake), the principal decided Jackson would be in sixth grade. They had more desks, you see." He loves baseball, but he's terrible at it - sort of like Charlie Brown. He wants to be a writer. He wants to be a hero, but it doesn't seem very likely... until Jackson's great-aunt Harriet comes for a visit and he falls into her hair.

That story took a weird turn, huh?

He lands in a whimsical world full of elves and adventure, with inexplicable discoveries behind every door. There's even a tour guide - Meeka, a well-meaning elf who is also in need of a friend. Here, Jackson learns about the purpose of his life and the Author's love for him.

In book two, Jackson stumbles upon - well, sort of crashes into - a tree so huge it has an elevator. More adventure unfolds, and more lessons. I can't say I loved it just as much as the first book (trolls and chickens being somewhat less appealing than elves - there are some pretty cute squirrels, however), but it is still well worth reading. Right now these are the only books by Jenn Kelly, so you can't afford to miss either one! (I hope there are more to come.)

I can guarantee you, nobody writes like she does. The occasionally off-subject conversations with the reader, the hilarious definitions for big words. (For exasperated: "Go ask your mom what that means. Ask her about twenty times.") She has an ability to write silly and profound all at once.

Fellow reader, you have been invited on a tour through Great-Aunt Harriet's hair. You will love every minute of it.

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)