Jubilee Jumps for Joy

Jubilee's name means happiness, but lately, she hasn't felt so happy.

The foot-stomping, hand-clapping Sunday morning praise breaks at Rise and Shine Community Church used to be Jubilee's happy place. But ever since her beloved Grandma Mozelle passed away, those moments have been overshadowed by the reminders of her absence. Determined to reclaim her happiness, Jubilee turns to Grandma Mozelle's big bright hats and shimmery shoes, but her bubble of joy pops when things don't go according to plan. When she stumbles upon her grandmother's Bible, however, Jubilee discovers that true joy lies not in material possessions but in her grandmother's timeless wisdom and enduring faith.

With themes of navigating loss and finding self-assurance, Jubilee Jumps for Joy comforts readers while celebrating a vibrant Black church community. Through Jubilee's heartfelt journey of grief and rediscovery, readers will learn that joy everlasting is not found in the past but in embracing the present with faith and love.

Alex Aldrich Barrett is an illustrator and animator from Philadelphia, currently living in Los Angeles. She studied painting and printmaking at The Cooper Union in New York. In no particular order, she loves plants, animals, unfinished drawings, scary movies, old animation pencil tests, mornings before the sun comes up, seven-minute eggs, tea, and toast. She has never stopped reading children's books.

Brentom Jackson is an accomplished writer, performance poet, and psychotherapist. He holds a BA in theatre from Texas Wesleyan University and an MA in professional counseling from St. Edward's University. Brentom uses his poetic voice, theatrical flair, and socio-emotional expertise to craft stories celebrating Black American culture and creativity. He is the author of Elijah's Easter Suit (Doubleday/Penguin Random House). He lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with his partner Sandra and their son Langston. In his spare time, Brentom enjoys gardening and hunting for rare films, books, and records while spending time with his family.