Stories for Growing
Cover of Jabari JumpsAge guidance pending
Courage

Jabari Jumps

Gaia Cornwall

Age guidance pending

We haven’t confirmed a numerical age range for this book yet.

Listed by Sarah Miller under Courage.

The 2017 Candlewick hardcover is a 32-page picture book, written and illustrated by Gaia Cornwall. Jabari arrives at a public pool after completing swimming lessons and passing his swim test. Although he says he is ready, he hesitates at the diving board and delays. His father acknowledges that being scared is okay, suggests a small rest, and encourages Jabari to decide when he is ready. Jabari climbs and jumps, then surfaces and celebrates the accomplishment.

Recommended by Can we read? — Children’s books about values

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What children see in the story

Naming or showing hesitation about a new challenge. Using a short rest and encouragement to manage fear. Choosing when to attempt the jump. Climbing and jumping after swim lessons and a passed test. Celebrating the completed effort.

Why it’s on these shelves

Courage
Jabari tells his dad he is ready to jump off the high board, then stalls at the ladder. His father says it’s okay to feel scared and offers a rest, and Jabari decides to climb up and jump. He surfaces to his family’s cheers.

Why pick it up?

Jabari completes the jump after preparing and receiving calm support. The father does not push or take over the choice in the reviewed sources. His swimming instruction and test precede the high-board attempt; the book frames the jump as a chosen challenge, not an unprepared child entering the water.

A note for parents

Jabari climbs the high diving board with his dad watching from below. Worth mentioning that he jumps at a supervised pool and waits until he feels ready.

Where this recommendation comes from

Can we read? — Children’s books about values

Listed under Courage.

Read Sarah Miller’s recommendation
Sources and review status

We have checked source descriptions and drafted the value mapping. We have not personally reviewed the full book. The value labels, situation assignments, and parent notes remain provisional.

Publisher or literacy resource · Original recommendation

Our explanation of the value fit is separate from the original reviewer’s judgment. Their inclusion here does not imply an endorsement of Stories for Growing.

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