Reviews for Jabari Jumps

by Gaia Cornwall

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Young Jabari decides today is the day he is going to jump from the diving board, even though it's a little high and a little scary. Jabari's father and baby sister accompany him to the swimming pool in the city, where Jabari has already made up his mind about today's goal: jumping off the diving board. "I'm a great jumper," he says, "so I'm not scared at all." But that's not entirely true. Readers see Jabari play the waiting game as the other children (a diverse bunch) make their ways past him in line. Once Jabari finally begins to climb up, he slyly remembers that he forgot to "stretch." The stalling techniques don't faze his dad, who sees an opportunity for a life lesson. "It's okay to feel a little scared," offers his dad at the side of the pool. With renewed will, Jabari returns to the towering diving board, ready to embrace the feat. In her debut, Cornwall places her loving black family at the center, coloring the swimming pool and park beyond in minty hues and adding whimsy with digitally collaged newspaper for skyscrapers. A bird's-eye view of Jabari's toes clinging to the edge of the diving board as he looks way, way down at the blue pool below puts readers in his head and in the action. This simple and sincere tale of working up courage to face fears makes quite a splash. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.


Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Jabari is ready to jump off the diving board! First, however, he decides to let everyone behind him jump first. And then he stretches. Finally, Jabari admits that he might be a little...scared. Luckily, our young hero has his father and baby sister's loving encouragement. Watercolor and collage illustrations perfectly depict a hazy summer day against a backdrop of warm brown skin tones and cool aqua water. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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