Origin
Phoebe and her editor had been talking for a while about the fact that Jillian’s stories had always been sunny summer tales. But winter is a fun and creative time, too. This story started from a mental image – the image of a very strange and special hat, buried in a snowdrift, emerging in the spring thaw.
At first we thought that a kid wearing a hat like that would get teased. So when Jillian first stepped out the door wearing her funny hat, the other kids made fun of it and Jillian got mad. But soon, Jillian took control. “I don’t have time for this,” she said. “It’s snowing, and there’s FUN to be had! There’s no time to waste!” So the mean kids vanished, and the adventure began.
Fun Facts
This story was originally inspired by a hat that belonged to Phoebe’s daughter Melissa – a hat covered in all kinds of different buttons.
Phoebe actually made real versions of the Martian hat, to make sure that they would work: “When I tried to construct [the propeller], it kept flopping over. I substituted something that looks like an old-fashioned T.V. antenna, which I made from the cut-off rim of a paper cup perched on top of a small tube. The whole business is covered with aluminum foil. I also made googly eyes from egg carton parts and added the spring antenna that I originally started with. Pretty soon, everyone will be wearing this chic construction.”
Hide and Seek
A copy of The Balloon Tree
Joseph’s blanket
Costumes from Jillian Jiggs and the Secret Surprise
Jillian’s pyjamas from Jillian Jiggs to the Rescue
Lots of wonderful pigs
Parts of the Monster Machine from Jillian Jiggs to the Rescue
The Boss Pirate’s hat from Grandma and the Pirates
Cinnamon dancing with Babalatzzi
Pirate Pearl and her dog
Jillian’s butterfly wings from Jillian Jiggs
Little Blue Ben (he’s really well hidden – look for his hair!)
A snow chicken
A golden apple