Joanna Cole has taught elementary school, worked with a news magazine, and was for several years a senior editor of children's books. Today she is a full-time author writing for children. Among the dozens of highly praised children's books she has written are The Magic School Bus books. She has compiled numerous anthologies, including several with Stephanie Calmenson. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and daughter.

Illus. in full color. "Kangaroo child Norma Jean loves to jump. The problem is that her jumping gets out of hand, causing accidents and some ruffled feelings among her friends, and Norma stops her jumping entirely. But when the school's field-day games come up, Norma Jean is coaxed back into action long enough to win ribbons. Light, popular fare for beginning readers."--Booklist.