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Laura Roso is a passionate educator, author and performing arts specialist with more than 25 years of experience working with young people.
Laura made her debut as an author with her middle-grade novel, Race Against Ace. Her second book and first picture book, Jumbled Up Jimmy, continues her passion for creating stories that entertain, inspire and connect with young readers.
As a secondary school Drama teacher, Laura has spent her career encouraging students to use their imagination, embrace their creativity and reach their full potential. She has written numerous scripts and directed many school productions, experiences that have strengthened her skills as a storyteller and given her valuable insight into the humour, interests and experiences that resonate with young audiences.
Alongside her work in education, Laura has enjoyed a diverse career in the performing arts and entertainment industry. She has worked as a Deputy Cruise Director for P&O Cruises and hosted events including the Wakakirri National Story-Dance Festival. She has also been involved in working behind the scenes in major events such as the AFL Grand Final Parade, Moomba Festival and Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, as well as appearing in television commercials and programs.
Through her books, Laura loves creating funny, quirky and relatable characters while exploring themes of acceptance, kindness and belonging. With Race Against Ace & Jumbled Up Jimmy, she hopes to inspire children to enjoy reading, celebrate what makes them unique and discover the joy that can be found in being yourself.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Being ordinary can be so boring. Jimmy has his own unusual way of doing just about everything in Jumbled Up Jimmy by Laura Roso. He wears his watch, his socks, and even his uniform just a little bit differently. His friends Rafi, Maddie, and Sophie try to explain things, but he still doesn’t quite get it. At school, his reactions often catch everyone around him off guard. When Sophie steps on snails, he thinks the mess looks tasty, and a spider crawling across a sandwich doesn’t bother him either. Even a loud burp earns an enthusiastic response. His classmates can’t help calling out, “JIMMY!” whenever he surprises them. Later, the others help Jimmy understand what they mean by jumbled up, giving him something new to consider about himself. Will he decide he needs to change, or is being jumbled up part of what makes him Jimmy?
Jumbled Up Jimmy by Laura Roso is such a cute book with an important message about accepting people for who they are. Jimmy’s personality made me smile because he doesn’t see anything wrong with how he does things. Roso’s writing is playful and easy for young children to understand, and the alliteration supports early literacy. This would be fun to read with my kindergarten class, particularly when we’re talking about individuality. The term “jumbled” also gives students a chance to learn a new word while practicing the J sound. Daniela Frongia’s colorful illustrations add plenty of humor, especially when Jimmy’s unusual reactions leave his friends shocked. Kids who enjoy silly school stories will be amused by this one, while adults will appreciate its lesson of belonging. Dr. Seuss wrote, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” That idea fits Jimmy perfectly.
