A hilarious and well written story teaching kids to question and critically think about the actions of those around them, even when they are in positions of authority. The narrative is fun, simple, and easy to follow but cleverly opens up the option to discuss these important topics that are often not touched upon early in life. I also loved the illustration style and I think it’s very well suited to the content of the book!

I really enjoyed this fun and clever story!
Frida, the young detective at the heart of the tale, quickly became my favorite part. She’s determined to uncover the truth behind her town’s mysterious “monster,” the Jibberjack, and I loved her curiosity and courage.

This picture book is humorous, imaginative, and engaging from start to finish. It’s perfect for ages 5 and up, or for any cozy story time. I also love the message: it’s okay to ask questions and be brave enough to find your own answers.

A delightful and thoughtful read!

4.5 stars most accurate, rounded up for the great, yet subtle lesson! As I was reading this, I thought 'boy, this is appropriate to our current times.....maybe some adults should be reading this too!' Then....I later read a trailer/ad for the book, & it described it as 'a gentle introduction to the concept of fear-mongering for 4-8 year olds'.........& I thought that describes it so well! The illustrations are really good too, appropriate to the mystery theme of the story. It'd be a great book to read with a kid, & might inspire some great discussion! A real good book!
I received an e ARC of the book from the author & publisher Marshmallow Tree Press via NetGalley, giving me an opportunity to read it & offer this fair/honest review.

A wonderful, humorous tale with a very important lesson we all really need right now. There's a mysterious monster in the town-- or is there? It takes a smart kid willing to really pay attention to solve the mystery.

What a thrilling and clever little mystery that kept me and my 5 year old guessing until the very end! The intricate plot is a puzzle box of deception and humor, and the pacing is perfect, pulling you into a world of quick-witted dialogue and memorable characters. It's a stylish and genuinely fun read that delivers on all fronts!

Such a fun and clever story about trusting your instincts and asking questions when something just doesn’t feel right. My family and I had the best time searching for clues in the illustrations (just like Frieda!) and piecing together the mystery.
The author does a fantastic job of getting readers to slow down and look for context clues; it had my kids eager to figure out what was actually going on. The art style reminded me of the Nate the Great books I grew up with, which made it even more special.
And those open-ended questions at the end? Loved them! Perfect for sparking thoughtful conversations after storytime.
This book would be a great gift for any young reader or a fun addition for your next family storytime!

"Jibberjack, Fibberjack" is a picture book that begins with a series of instant camera photos, setting a delightful retro vibe and introducing characters in an engaging manner. The title itself, "Jibberjack, Fibberjack," is catchy and funny, drawing readers into a world filled with intrigue and whimsy.
The artwork throughout the book is imbued with vintage vibes, enhancing the story's nostalgic charm. The artwork is done with shades of purple, orange and brown. The color purple addes to the mystery, the oranges draw the attention of the reader and the browns provide an earthy, grounded feel. I do think the illustrator achieved a whimsical, playful art style. The town of Rumorridge, cleverly named, provides a fitting backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The story kicks off with Frida, a young and inquisitive girl, who is told by adults that she's too young to understand certain things. In an attempt to quell fear, Mayor Tazzleworm assures the townspeople that he will protect them from a mysterious monster lurking nearby.
Frida's curiosity is piqued as she questions the nature of the monster, but her inquiries go unanswered. The plot thickens when two pigs vanish, leaving only a set of ordinary footprints as a clue. In response, the mayor issues a decree that everyone needs a Jibberjack trap, with prices inflating from $15 to $45.
A sense of mystery weaves through the narrative as Frida detects an odd smell and at the same time she declares she smells the"smell of stinky lies." Determined to uncover the truth, she hatches a plan to expose the mayor's deceit. This clever twist invites readers to reflect on why someone would choose to be a Fibberjack.
"Jibberjack, Fibberjack" can be a valuable tool in elementary library lessons, sparking discussions about truth in a media literacy lesson. It encourages young readers to question and explore. I think adult readers might pick up on the idea of political fear-mongering. But I think the targeted age range of ages 4-8 will only understand the concept that adults can lie.

Now more than ever we need to be instilling the skills of critical thinking and questioning authority. I loved the whimsical framing of the book by using a "silly" word for the monster and the culprit. Playfulness is a tool of learning, and this was a subtle message for young readers that it is ok to ask questions, even of those in authority. I loved the discussion questions at the end to give adults tools to be able to further the conversation with their young ones.

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book.

Let’s be honest — the name alone sold both me and my kids! They were instantly hooked by the silly title and immediately wanted to know what a “jibberjack” could possibly be. Add in expressive, engaging illustrations and a kid-friendly mystery, and you’ve got a total winner.

One of my favorite parts of this book is how accessible the mystery is for young readers. It gives kids meaningful opportunities to make simple inferences, notice clues in the illustrations, and test their own predictions as the story unfolds. My kids loved playing detective, and the visuals make it easy for them to gather information and revise their guesses - a huge early literacy and language skill.

I also appreciate how the book encourages children to ask thoughtful questions. It gently opens the door to conversations about fear-mongering and misinformation, but it does so with just the right amount of silliness to keep things fun and light. And the guide for parents at the back is such a bonus - with comprehension questions that reinforce the main message and help families extend the learning beyond the page.

Overall, this is a playful, smart, and highly engaging read that blends humor with heart and gives young readers plenty to think and talk about. A definite add-to-your-shelf title!

Jibberjack, Fibberjack takes a big topic (fear-mongering) and turns it into a kid-friendly whodunit. The story is funny, the art is stunning, and my daughter kept stopping me to guess what was really going on. It feels especially relevant in this day and age, when we are surrounded by misinformation, but it breaks everything down in a way that’s digestible and very age-appropriate. Perfect for parents and teachers who want a story that’s entertaining but also highly relevant and educational.

✨ Jibberjack, Fibberjack by Stefanie Gamarra
A Made‑Up Monster Mystery for Curious Kids

There’s something magical about a story that hands kids a flashlight and says, “Go ahead — shine it anywhere.” Jibberjack, Fibberjack does exactly that.

Set in the chatty town of Rumorridge, this Kirkus‑starred whodunit follows Frida — a brave, observant kid with a detective hat, a trusty notebook, and a nose for nonsense. While everyone else is whispering about a mysterious creature, Frida is the only one asking more questions. And in a town suddenly filled with strange footprints, missing pigs, questionable monster traps, and new rules from a nervous mayor, her curiosity becomes the key to uncovering the truth.

What makes this story shine is how it balances humor, quirkiness, and just the right amount of spooky‑but‑safe suspense. Kids get to play detective right alongside Frida, scanning clever illustrations for clues and giggling at the town’s over‑the‑top reactions. Yet beneath the fun, the book gently opens the door to meaningful conversations about fear, rumors, and what happens when imaginations run wild without checking the facts.

Frida’s quiet courage — the kind that looks like raising your hand and asking, “But… how do we know?” — is a powerful message for young readers. It celebrates independent thinking, encourages kids to slow down and look closely, and reminds families that curiosity is a strength, not a disruption.

The discussion questions at the end are a gift for parents and teachers, extending the learning far beyond the final page. My family loved lingering over the illustrations, spotting clues, and talking about how we decide what’s true.

Jibberjack, Fibberjack is one of those rare picture books that entertains, empowers, and sparks deeper thinking — all while keeping kids giggling and guessing. Playful on the surface, layered with meaning underneath, it’s a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library for curious kids ages 4–8 and the grown‑ups who love wondering right alongside them.

Jibberjack, Fibberjack is the book you've been looking for if you need an age-appropriate way to talk to early readers (1st through 4th grade) about honesty, being a "truth detective," or understanding the foundations of propaganda and misinformation. Gamarra tackles this topic in not only an approachable way but one that's engaging and entertaining. Alone, students will read this title and enjoy the mystery: What is the Jibberjack and can the main character find it? Those guided by adults or who are extra perceptive will understand that the storyline mirrors what happens with misinformation today: Someone wants something and uses misinformation to get people to do or believe something that benefits them. This is a book that would be a fantastic elementary school-wide read with students and families before students start accessing social media, and as a jumping-off point to talk about how to be safe online and while interacting with people you don't know. This is a must-have title for libraries serving elementary-aged readers (public, school, and even classroom libraries). It would also be a fun and thoughtful gift, especially with something like a notebook and or magnifying glass so readers can practice being a "truth detective." Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.