Summary
In this story Naya is told that Jumbies are not real. Jumbies are make-believe creatures used to keep children inside at night. Naya decides to go outside at night to find a Jumbie. On her journey she describes to each voice she hears what a Jumbie looks like, and each time one comes out. The Jumbies all claim they are not Jumbies and help Naya on her voyage to find one. Once they all reach Naya’s house they fall asleep, her mom comes outside and is surprised to see Jumbies sleeping in her yard.
Theme(s):
Family, Trust, Friendship
Personal Response
This story is great to read to young children. It gives us information about the folklore of the Caribbean culture, and then turns it into a fun guessing game about who they will see next. Kids can also relate to Naya as they may be curious and have tried to find a leprechaun at the end of the rainbow or other creatures. The illustrations are detailed and colorful so they catch the readers attention.
Teaching Ideas
I would complete discussion questions before, during, and after reading “Looking for a Jumbie” aloud to my students. Then I would have them draw their own creature and write what features it has. Then I would have them draw other creatures they may have heard of and describe the characteristics of them. Then, we will compare and contrast their creatures, the Jumbie, and a creature from their own culture. This will show students how cultures can be similar and different.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01, Grade 02
