Crackerjack Jack Illustrated by

Go on a rhyming adventure with Crackerjack Jack the crook and a duck in this fascinating book!

Crackerjack Jack is on a mission to rob a bank. He enlists the help of a trainable duck to help him with his next big heist. The duck cracks open the safe and flees with the loot. Does he know that he knocked Crackerjack Jack on his back? This part of the story is for the reader to decide. Crackerjack Jack gets locked up, and Duck dreams of his next big crime.

The rhymes flow with ease and excitement alongside the colourful, captivating illustrations that keep the reader entertained and full of laughs.

Bowman Wilker, a children’s poet and primary school teacher, has playfully brought his talent for poetry into his first picture book, Crackerjack Jack. The rhyming poetry is written in such a way that the reader will naturally progress into a rhythm of expression and fluidity. The varying font size and use of bolded words further emphasizes the expression and comical tone of the story. Wilker’s poems have been featured in children’s magazines in Canada, Ireland, and the United States. He currently resides in Ottawa, ON.

Marie-Ève Tremblay’s illustrations in Crackerjack Jack are amusing and colourful. Tremblay humorously captures the characters’ sentiments on each page. There are thoughtful additions throughout her illustrations which provide extra elements to the story. For example, in one of the illustrations, the reader learns that Crackerjack Jack has or had a wife/partner as well as a cat that have helped him in his heists as there are framed photos of them in matching black and white striped shirts and blue eye masks hanging on his family room wall. From the black and white striped end sheets to the varied patterned backgrounds throughout the book, Tremblay has created a visually appealing picture book. Tremblay’s illustrations are inspired by her world travels, nature, and everyday life. Montreal, QC, is her home.

Crackerjack Jack is a fun and entertaining book that will keep readers of all ages amused!