Jabari Jumps

Product Information

Jabari is quite excited to let his dad know that today is the day he will jump off the high diving board.

Jabari Jumps - Gaia Cornwall - Google Books Jabari Jumps - Gaia Cornwall - Google Books

The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Kids will immediately feel familiar with Jabari's experience of wanting to jump off the diving board. With themes of bravery and managing stress and anxiety, this Jabari Jumps picture book by Gaia Cornwall is a favorite in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms. At a pool nestled in a tiny haven in the middle of a big city and set against a backdrop of cool summer colors, Jabari prepares to jump from the high dive for the very first time. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all.In Jabari Jumps (Candlewick, ages 4-8) Gaia Cornwall brings to vivid life this moment for one little boy…For young listeners, this lovely book is a reminder that the best summers have both challenging surprises and fun. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness.

Jabari Jumps, Courage, and Being Patient with Fear Jabari Jumps, Courage, and Being Patient with Fear

Finally, after words of encouragement from his patient father, Jabari makes the climb and braves the jump, a sequence viewed from various perspectives that amplify his accomplishment. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! I love the color palette, the perspective scenes that make the diving board seem really intimidating, and the interactions between Jabari and his dad. I would recommend this book as it is easy to follow, the character is honest and relatable and the illustrations are beautiful.

He lets other children go first, thinks long and hard about what special jump he will do, then remembers he must stretch. Maybe we knew about the void, like how few children’s books feature main characters of color, or perhaps we only realize what we’ve been missing in retrospect, like tales with a competent, emotionally attentive male caregiver.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is a beautiful EYFS/KS1 story

Mixed-media images in serene muted colors, high-rise buildings above the tree line, and the intriguing addition of faded newsprint accents strengthen the urban feel of the illustrations.The diverse set of activities are great for differentiated instruction, and support English Language Arts and social skills.

Jabari Jumps Storyline Online - Jabari Jumps

One of the ways that readers can make inferences while they are reading is to look at the body language and facial expressions of the characters in the illustrations. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. His dad is tender and patient, encouraging Jabari where necessary but also recognizing when to allow his child to step back from an anxiety-inducing event and take some time to breathe. He is so proud of his achievement he exclaims to his dad and little sister that a “surprise double backflip is next!

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is a great picture book that reinforces the themes of courage, determination and summer fun! I liked how the diving board was depicted as super tall to show how big of an accomplishment his jump was. Big clear words and pictures with views from below and above fill the pages of Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall. This adorable story with one cute-as-can-be goggle wearing boy named Jabari is filled with bravery and deep breaths and patience. Then he actually confronts the ladder to thet high board, and he finds himself a little intimidated.