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Pressure-Reduced Outlets
Kyle and His Pal Jake: What a Duo These Two Make! follows a young boy into adulthood as he rediscovers the joy of ventriloquism and uses it to reach his students. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story is semi-autobiographical. When I was ten, I received a ventriloquist puppet that looked like Paul Winchell’s dummy, Jerry Mahoney (which I still have to this day). It came with an LP record that taught me ventriloquism. And, yes, I put on shows for my friends in my garage with a stage my Papa had made for me.
As an elementary school teacher, I would have the kids make their own puppets based on characters in the stories we had been reading. Then, in groups, they presented the stories to the class. I also taught them ventriloquism.
Kyle’s embarrassment in middle school feels very relatable. Was it important to show how quickly children can hide something they love when they feel judged?
Oh, yes. Young people don’t like to be ridiculed and judged for having unique hobbies or interests. As a teacher, we celebrated our varying interests in my classroom.
What role do you think creativity plays in helping children feel emotionally safe?
It is my belief that creative activities provide relaxed, pressure-reduced outlets where children can process and express their feelings.
If a child reading the book sees something of themselves in Kyle, what do you hope they feel by the last page?
It’s okay to have interests and talents that differ from others, whether it is academically or intellectually, athletically, or theatrically.
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Now a third-grade teacher, Kyle is always looking for ways to reach his students, especially Wendy, a shy, silent girl. An answer arrives in a package from his mom. In it are items from his youth, his baseball glove, his favorite chapter books, a model airplane, and Jake.
As he removes Jake from the box, Kyle comes up with a plan on how he can use Jake in his classroom and help Wendy come out of her shell.
Kyle and His Pal Jake: What a Duo These Two Make!
Kyle and His Pal Jake: What a Duo These Two Make! is a heartwarming children’s book about rediscovering what makes you special and using it to help others. The story begins with Kyle as a boy, thrilled to receive Jake the puppet as a Christmas gift. He practices ventriloquism, puts on shows, and enjoys making people smile. But when middle school teasing makes him feel embarrassed, Kyle puts Jake away and leaves that part of himself behind.
Years later, Kyle is a third-grade teacher who wants to connect with his students, especially Wendy, a quiet and shy girl who rarely speaks. When his mom sends him a box of childhood memories, Jake turns up again at just the right time. Instead of seeing the puppet as something from the past, Kyle realizes Jake might be the perfect way to reach his students and help Wendy feel safe enough to open up.
This story does a lovely job of showing kids that the things that make us different can become our greatest strengths. Kyle’s journey feels sweet and relatable, especially for young readers who may have felt embarrassed about something they love. The book also has a gentle message about kindness, confidence, and the power of a caring teacher. I especially liked how the story comes full circle, with Kyle using something meaningful from his own childhood to support the next generation.
The illustrations add a colorful and cheerful energy that helps keep the story fun and engaging. Young readers will enjoy Jake’s playful presence, while parents and teachers will appreciate the deeper message about acceptance and connection. Kyle and His Pal Jake is a sweet and encouraging read for kids, especially those who are shy, creative, or learning to be proud of who they are.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 978-1620239391
