Jabari Jumps

Written and illustrated by Gaia Cornwall

Part of the Jabari series

A young boy faces his fears and learns to jump off a diving board with the help of his dad.

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 5,649 ratings

32 pages· 464 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Jabari has completed his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, but the diving board looms large. As he watches others jump, his confidence wavers. With his father's supportive hand, Jabari musters the courage to take the plunge. Will he overcome his fear and make a splash? This heartwarming tale explores the bravery needed to face one's fears and the bond between a father and son.

From the publisher

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.

Awards

Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2018)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 464
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD490L

Themes & topics

Books about facing fears Books about parenting Books about bravery Books about social themes Books about new experiences

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.8

out of 7

5.8

“This was a fantastic book about conquering your fear. The illustrations are so fun—I love all of the different angles and perspectives the illustrator shows Jabari's situation from and how that really pulls you into the story. Jabari's dad is patient and understanding, and doesn't tell Jabari to just hurry up and jump, but waits for him to be ready and coaches him through a technique that might help him be ready to make the leap.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

6.0

“This is a delightful book about being ready to take the next step. Jabari has finished his swim lessons and tests and is (almost) ready to try the high dive. His father is reassuring and encouraging, but not pushy as Jabari works up his courage. The story plays out in beautiful illustrations in washed-out hues, like a hazy, humid summer day, at a public pool in a sprawling park with skyscrapers in the background. With multiple illustrations on some pages and abundant white space around them, Cornwall builds suspense as Jabari climbs the many rungs of the ladder and walks out to the edge of the board. This gentle and reassuring book is perfect for reading aloud.”

Grammy

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one