Sparrow Jack

Author: Mordicai Gerstein

This picture book is based on a true story and it is truly a must-have in the elementary classroom. Sparrow Jack is the whimsical tale of a perseverant immigrant who saves Philadelphia by importing sparrows to rescue the trees from a plague of inchworms. Seasick, Jack is miserable while crossing the Atlantic to the United States.  When the people of Philadelphia declare a state of emergency because the trees are disappearing with an infestation of inchworms, the main character comes up with a novel solution to solve a problem, but his community doubts him. He wants to try out his theory and on his own dime and dreading the journey, he once again sails back to his native England to collect sparrows. He returns and sets the sparrows free, saving Philadelphia from the infestation. This is a lovely picture book that can be used in any elementary classroom.

Sparrow Jack

Year Released: 2003

Grade 1-4