Status
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Description
Juvenile Fiction. Picture Book Fiction. HTML: Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for..… (more)
User reviews
A debut from Cornwall, Jabari Jumps is an appealing book, featuring an involving story of overcoming one's fears and trying something new that many younger children will find relevant to their own life experiences. The loving support and understanding that Jabari's father offers provides the necessary note of reassurance, letting child listeners know that adults are there to help them reach their goals. Cornwall's artwork, created in pencil, watercolor and collage, before being colored digitally, is likewise appealing, capturing the fun of a summer day, and the sense of vertigo that Jabari experiences, looking down at the pool from his perch on the board. Recommended to young children just starting a new venture, especially if it involves swimming or diving.
* prominently features diverse characters: Jabari (braver than he thinks!) his dad and sister, and a diverse crowd of other pool-goers.
* would work for preschooler storytime (if they can sit through longer stories),