Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
- Illustrations are pencil, watercolor, collage, and digital coloring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Another book in our 2018 mock Caldecott awards selection that's about anxiety and emotional resiliency! The one word that can easily describe the illustrations is bright. Cornwall barely outlines the main figures in orange that really makes Jabari and his family really pop off the page. I also love the light touch of pencil that captures the gestures beautifully. I think this book will likely make its way into the class visit rotation leading up to next summer.
Did Ezra Jack Keats reincarnate as Gaia Cornwall? This book is summer's equivalent of The Snowy Day. Jabari Jumps has the same charm, incidental diversity, and sweet family interactions. Even the illustrations feel like a bow to Keats's style. Perfect for a summer storytime or parent-child storytime.
Themes: swimming, trying new things, being brave
A cute book about a little boy who is ready for a challenge and decides to face his fears. His Dad has some good advice for him.
A child’s very first jump into a pool can be an exciting moment though often it is not without a little trepidation beforehand. Now that Jabari has finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, he tells his dad that today is the day he is going to jump off the diving board - after all, he’s not the least bit scared. But as Jabari approaches the ladder leading to the board, some of his bravado seems to fade, as the lets other kids go ahead of him as he thinks about what kind of dive to do. Sensing his fears, dad suggests doing some stretches. But when Jabari decides to jump the next day instead, wise dad tells Jabari it’s OK to be scared, and offers just the kind of advice his son needs. Does Jabari jump? You bet he does. I loved this book. Cornwall has absolutely caught that milestone moment in a child’s life when they do something they are afraid of doing and it works out better than they ever expected. What a feeling! I also love the tender relationship between Jabari and his very patient dad. The pencil, watercolor, and collage illustrations really reflect Jabari’s experience, from the height of the diving board to the depth of the water, and every moment in between.
Very sweet, and such a neat story of a realistic fear a child may face. I love seeing attentive male caregivers in media, and this hits that note just right.
inspiring
medium-paced