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4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
I loved everything about this book. Black main character, father actively parenting his children, the universality of overcoming fears. A very simple but meaningful story about a young boy trying to get the courage to jump off the high dive for the first time. His dad's awesome advice is to think of it more as a surprise. Varied illustration and text layouts add visual interest as well.
Jabari is ready to jump off of the diving board, or so he tells his father. Jabari has finished swimming lessons and passed his swim test, so he should be ready. He declares that he isn’t scared at all. Then they get to the pool, where he sees other kids diving off the board. Jabari lets others go ahead of him. He climbs part way up and then down again to rest a bit and stretch. His father tells him that it’s alright to be scared and how to handle it because it may feel like a surprise at the end. Jabari tries one more time, reminding himself that he loves surprises. Can he do it?
Cornwall depicts a very loving African-American family here with father, son and a little sister. Throughout, the father is very supportive. He is there to hold hands, give a little squeeze and then offer direct advice. Best of all, he is there to celebrate the success too. The writing builds the pressure and emotions that Jabari is experiencing as he keeps trying. It emphasizes the height, the fall, and the bravery that the jump takes.
The illustrations are done in pencil, watercolor and collage with digital color. They have a wonderful texture to them, the sidewalks with subtle words on them, the pool water a swirling blue-green. Again, the height of the diving board is emphasized to great effect.
A summery splash of a book that is just right for reading when afloat in a pool, whether you are brave enough for the diving board or not. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
Cornwall depicts a very loving African-American family here with father, son and a little sister. Throughout, the father is very supportive. He is there to hold hands, give a little squeeze and then offer direct advice. Best of all, he is there to celebrate the success too. The writing builds the pressure and emotions that Jabari is experiencing as he keeps trying. It emphasizes the height, the fall, and the bravery that the jump takes.
The illustrations are done in pencil, watercolor and collage with digital color. They have a wonderful texture to them, the sidewalks with subtle words on them, the pool water a swirling blue-green. Again, the height of the diving board is emphasized to great effect.
A summery splash of a book that is just right for reading when afloat in a pool, whether you are brave enough for the diving board or not. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
I absolutely loved this one! Great message about facing down your fears and a lovely depiction of a black family spending time together and having fun.
When Jabari arrives at the outdoor pool with his father and baby sister, he assures them that now that he can swim, he's going to jump off the diving board. However, when he understands the challenge, he has second thoughts...
Jabari's comments throughout are immediately recognisable and relatable to both parent and child: I have shared this numerous times with my 3 and 4 year old and they both ask for re-readings, laughing, safely, at his hesitancy. Jabari's confidence and excitement at a new challenge is tickled into doubt when he sees the task as overwhelming ( beautifully displayed through clever use of perspective).
I have always enjoyed books that show children overcoming a challenge but what is lovely about this one, for me, is Dad's reassurance that it's okay to be scared and Jabari's triumph and celebration of his achievement at the end. Cornwall's mixed-media artwork and use of collage is bright and it was refreshing and important to see the story told through a black family. More of this is needed.
Jabari's comments throughout are immediately recognisable and relatable to both parent and child: I have shared this numerous times with my 3 and 4 year old and they both ask for re-readings, laughing, safely, at his hesitancy. Jabari's confidence and excitement at a new challenge is tickled into doubt when he sees the task as overwhelming ( beautifully displayed through clever use of perspective).
I have always enjoyed books that show children overcoming a challenge but what is lovely about this one, for me, is Dad's reassurance that it's okay to be scared and Jabari's triumph and celebration of his achievement at the end. Cornwall's mixed-media artwork and use of collage is bright and it was refreshing and important to see the story told through a black family. More of this is needed.
Courage. Doing hard things bravely. Being scared is OK. Summertime. Picture book.
I don’t normally add the picture books I read to Aaron on here, but this one is so good! I picked it out because he’s been hesitant to go in the water or participate in his swimming lessons. We’ve read this one together twice, and he has connected with Jabari and is super into the story.
This book checks off almost all of the things I like in a picture book. The illustrations are really cute and lovely, the characters are diverse, the story is relatable, the ending is happy and kind of funny, it's got a nice portrayal of a dad taking care of kids by himself (either because he's a single dad or because the other parent happens to be elsewhere)...but it's too nice somehow? Like it kind of gives me Caillou vibes which maybe is just my bias against Caillou showing. And...I did just spend 20 minutes reading through the FAQ and comments on the Caillou website which is a weird place on the internet to get stuck in, but does contain a debate about whether or not children need both a mother and father figure to "fully construct their identity"...ANYWAY back to the review at hand which is that I would recommend Jabari Jumps, it's a good book.