My husband and I delighted in reading a picture book to our kids about a shy man named Halibut Jackson who made specially crafted outfits designed to blend into his environment.
Halibut Jackson by David Lucas
Halibut Jackson is shy and doesn’t want to be noticed so he makes special outfits designed to blend into the background. He has a flowered suit for the park, a book-patterned suit for the library, and a fruit-adorned suit for the shops. When he gets invited to a party with the king and queen, he’s excited to go. But how was he to know it’s a garden party?! Everyone notices Halibut Jackson. And everyone notices his marvelous suit. They all want one too. Now Halibut Jackson has a new profession, and he’s a little less shy! [picture book, ages 4 and up]
My husband recently was excited to discover a real-life Halibut Jackson, Chinese artist Liu Bolin. Can you spot him?
Liu Bolin blends into the shop. So does Halibut Jackson!
“He had a suit that he wore to the library.” Halibut Jackson
“How was he to know that it was a garden party?” Halibut Jackson
Art imitates life … or a picture book. I love it when it does that. The whole world can be discovered through picture books!
p.s. For a chapter book that fits this theme of blending in so much that you are practically invisible, try The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman.
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Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
This book sounds delightful, and that real-life artist is incredible!
I am fascinated by this book. Love it!
Hi Cathy,
I think you can find Halibut Jackson at your public library. Sadly, it’s out of print. My husband and I loved reading it to our kids. It’s one of our favorite picture books.