Jug-Eared Juggling Jake Jojovich

Jake Jojovich, Jr., of Jabberwocky Junction, New Jersey, was so clumsy that his parents thought he would never be able to do things that required using his hands. Even worse, he had jug ears, which earned him the nickname “Jug-Eared Jake” at school. Even when eating, he often spilled food on his clothes. Unlike other kids, he was too clumsy to ride a bicycle, dance, run, or play any sport, and he often stumbled when walking.

Then, one day at school, the teacher asked anyone with a special talent to perform for the class. Judy Judson had a wonderful voice, and after singing just one song, her classmates cheered so much that she sang several more. Jane Jennings recited several beautiful poems and received much applause. Johnny Jackson played the guitar so well that everyone wanted him to strum the guitar while Judy sang. The duo was an instant hit, especially when they performed “Oh, Susanna,” which brought tears to the eyes of many girls.

The final performer was James Jeffrey Johnson, whose special talent was juggling. First, he juggled three tennis balls, which gained everyone’s attention. When the teacher tossed him another ball, he juggled four. Then she dared him to juggle five but had to encourage him because he had never juggled that many balls. After starting with three balls, she tossed him another one and then came the big test — one more ball. To the whole class’ amazement, he kept all five balls flying through the air smoothly without dropping a single one.

When the class voted on the performances, James won and received five gold stars on the bulletin board. Jake thought about all the different performances and decided to practice the one that might help him overcome his terrible clumsiness, which, of course, was juggling. At first, he could not even toss one tennis ball up in the air and catch it, but he was determined. Over and over, he kept tossing the ball until he could catch it. He even got so good at it that he could toss the ball up, spin around, and catch it behind his back.

Every night, he practiced. In time, he never dropped two balls; then, three, then four, then five — all the way up to ten! Jake wanted to do something that would amaze and frighten people at the same time. The answer: sharp knives. Before a packed school auditorium, his ability to juggle balls brought much applause, but when he placed ten sharp knives on a table, the audience was certain he would injure himself badly. Just three spinning knives took everyone’s breath, but Jake quickly grabbed another and another.

When all ten were whirling in a perfect circle, he began removing one at a time until only one was left. Astoundingly, he threw it to the ceiling, turned and caught it behind his back. The audience went wild, and not one of them ever forgot the world’s best juggler: Jug-Eared Juggling Jake Jojovich.

NOTE: Jimmy Reed is a retired college professor and author of several books. This story is from his latest, a children’s book entitled FROM A TO Z, TO YOU FROM ME. Each story in the book maximizes the use of an alphabetical letter, enhanced by alliteration and assonance. The book is available on Amazon, or can be purchased directly from the author. His email address is jimmycecilreedjr@gmail.com.