#blogbookaday: Jabari Jumps

Summary: “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 an encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: Jabari is so convinced he’s ready to jump off the diving board, but realizes he’s a little scared while he waits in line – trying to put off going to the top for as long as he can. But, when a sweet, quiet moment with his dad shows him that being scared is okay, Jabari feels ready to conquer his fear with a little bit of perspective. I loved the collage elements of the illustrations and the perspective of each one as Jabari realizes just how high the diving board is, plus that look of joy when he finally does jump is priceless.

Personal Reaction: I was a fish in the water growing up (and I still am) I love to swim and don’t care where – pool, ocean, lake, river – it doesn’t matter to me. But I remember every summer having to take the “deep end” test at the local pool and that lick of fear when you jump/dive off the diving board for the first time each summer. I also loved the interaction between the dad and Jabari – it was so sweet how patient and understanding the father was and the way he went about encouraging Jabari was perfect. I loved this sweet book (and definitely want to use it as a read aloud during our storytime at the pool next summer)!

Title: Jabari Jumps
Author: Gaia Cornwall
Illustrator: Gaia Cornwall
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: May 9, 2017

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!