[Review] Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Title: Jabari Jumps
Author: Gaia Cornwall
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publishing Date: May 9th, 2017
Pages: 32

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.

I first read along to this book through a public library channel, where the librarian was a middle-aged woman. I read along to this for the second time with "Storytime with Mr. Stephen" on Youtube. I think that Mr. Stephen (who is a black man) brings this story to life, as the main characters of the story are Jabari, a black boy, and his father. Mr. Stephen gave voice to the characters in a way that the librarian couldn't.

I love the many different layers that this book offers. If you read through it once, on a superficial level only, you'll still have a lovely story - a little boy facing his fear of jumping off the diving board.

If you read it a second time and dig deeper, I think you'll discover many nuances that may be missed with the first read.

I adore the #blackboyjoy that this book features. I LOVE that Jabari's father is loving, supportive, and gives Jabari autonomy. Never once does he tell Jabari he is unable to jump, but rather gives him coping techniques to his fears.

Jabari's father admits that he has fear, and explains to his son what he does when he is faced with fears and allows Jabari to use this technique of his own free will.

All of this is done subtly, nothing feels forced, which I applaud Gaia Cornwall for having such seamless writing.

Here we have a simple story, but within its short pages we have a black boy feeling, using coping techniques, a loving, supportive black father - we need this representation today and I am so happy to have found this story.

About the Author

Gaia Cornwall is an illustrator who loves making patterns for surface design, illustrating for children, and writing picture books. Her images can be seen in magazines, online, in logos, on various products, and even in a couple movies. JABARI JUMPS (Candlewick Press, May 2017,) is her debut picture book. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island. You can see more of her work at www.GaiaCornwall.com