This is a story of Jack, a young boy who was very lost and alone after the sudden death of his mother, until something happened one morning that would change his life forever. The Jewel was inspired by a robin that came to the window one morning, which Joanie used as a springboard for her story. Involving many different birds that transform, on many different adventures, it takes the young reader to familiar but also out of this world places. It also relates to 'loss', especially for a young person. The ability to carry on, even when all fails. Good always winning over evil. The Jewel creates a deeper understanding of how precious life is.