Jubilee Jumps for Joy

Jubilee loves going to church with her Grandma Mozelle, she especially enjoys the praise breaks but things have changed ever since Grandma Mozelle passed away. The moments that Jubilee used to find joy in are overshadowed by reminders that Grandma Mozelle isn’t there. Jubilee is eager to get her happiness back and tries bringing her Grandma’s hat and shiny shoes to church but then things don’t go according to plan. As Jubilee is looking for the next thing she stumbles on her Grandma’s bible and realizes that the joy was in her wisdom and faith, not in the material things that Grandma Mozelle had.

What I Liked: This book begins by introducing us to Jubilee and Grandma Mozelle enjoying a praise break at Rise and Shine Community Church, and explaining how this was one of Jubilee’s favorite moments. The tone of the story shifts as we come to find that Grandma Mozelle has passed away and Jubilee is learning to cope with that loss. Through this journey we see how other’s words impact Jubilee even if they are well intentioned, and how Jubilee tries to find her joy in her grandmother’s items.

The illustrations do a great job of showcasing the various emotions that are portrayed through the story. The shift in color tones goes well with the things that Jubilee is feeling especially as she finds joy in wearing her grandmother’s special things but then that joy vanishes as these things are too big for her to enjoy.

Final Verdict: Jubilee Jumps for Joy is a great book that celebrates a lively Black church community while comforting readers who have lost a loved one. This book does a great job of highlighting how faith can get us through grief and how communities can come together to embrace one another, and guide us through grief by showering us in love.