Who's Jerry? is a children’s nonfiction educational picture book written by Tess Jackson and illustrated by Darwin Marfil. Imani was so excited when she received an A on her math test that she ran home to show her mom, but her mom began to panic and ordered Imani to stay away. Imani was in tears as she ran to her room and cried on her pillow. She was worried about her mom. Imani had heard her speaking about Jerry for some time now, but Jerry seemed to be only in her mom’s imagination. Imani didn’t understand why Jerry would dislike her. She also missed having her mom fix her hair and take care of her. Her mom just hid in her bedroom. Kids started to notice Imani’s hair was getting messy, and her clothes were not as clean as they usually were. Her teacher, Mr. Jackson, wondered why she had done poorly on her last two tests. When he suggested he speak to her mom, Imani quickly said no, but she did think calling her dad would be fine. Dad came to the school and then went home with Imani. He soon realized her mom needed to go to the doctor. She would get better, but, for now, Imani would stay with him.

Tess Jackson’s Who’s Jerry? takes a look at the impact a parent’s mental illness can have on their child. It also demonstrates how medical care and medication can help relieve unsettling manifestations, such as Imani’s mom’s imaginary friend. This is an important issue as mental health is often overlooked or stigmatized. Jackson’s book shows how a family can come together to work through a parent’s mental illness and highlights how Imani’s mom never stopped loving her, not for one moment. Darwin Marfil’s illustrations work perfectly with the story and show how Imani is impacted at first, but then begins to heal when she goes home to live with her dad while her mom gets better. Jackson also includes a list of resources for parents and caregivers. An excellent choice for storytime, Who’s Jerry? is also written at a level suitable for new readers to try on their own. Who’s Jerry? is most highly recommended.

One of the most difficult topics to discuss with a young child must be the mental illness of their mother. It is hard enough for most adults to understand mental illness let alone a young child. How can we explain why Mom is acting so strangely? Why does Mom act like she doesn’t love them anymore? How can children learn to cope with Mom’s mental illness? This is where Who’s Jerry? by T.M. Jackson comes to the aid of everyone who needs guidance to help them navigate through such turbulent emotions.

In a beautifully written story, T.M. Jackson shows a young girl who's hurt by her mother’s strange and hostile behavior and how it is not only hurtful but frightening as well. Little Imani cannot understand what would make her mother behave so oddly. She tries to understand but fear and shame are hard to endure for a little girl alone without a mother who loves her. But, Who’s Jerry? explains what is happening to the mentally ill mother who suffers from schizophrenia and that she still loves her daughter.

Who’s Jerry? is well written so even young children can understand what is happening in the story. And those who have a mom like Imani’s will quickly identify with Imani and learn how to cope with a mother who suffers from schizophrenia and what Mom needs to do to stay well. I can see T.M. Jackson’s Who’s Jerry? becoming a best-seller children’s book assisting schools, hospitals, therapists, libraries, and the homes of children with schizophrenic moms.