Author: Gaia Cornwall
“I’m jumping off the diving board today,” the goggle-wearing boy tells his dad, “I’m not scared at all.” Jabari watches the other kids climb the long ladder and says it looks easy. “But when his dad squeezed his hand, Jabari squeezed back.”
Jabari spends a day at the pool with his dad and his little sister. Jabari is determined to jump off the diving board for the first time. But when he stands at the bottom of the ladder, he begins to have second thoughts. Jabari wants to think about what kind of jump he should do, remembers he should do some stretches first, decides to take a tiny rest, lets the other kids go ahead of him in line, and almost decides to wait until another day. As Jabari works to summon his courage, his dad steps in with a little encouragement. “It’s okay to feel a little scared, said his dad. Sometimes if I feel a little scared I take a deep breath and tell myself I’m ready….and it feels a little like a surprise”.
The illustrations of this book are a delightful addition to the story. We see little kids doing all of the things kids do at the pool, trying to put on flippers, grimacing at sunscreen application, chasing a bug, and doing underwater handstands. Jabari’s expressions speak louder than his words, and baby sister encourages him with her adorable grin. We also get to see the diving board from Jabari’s perspective – high above the pool with his toes curled around the edge…with dad and sister waiting below.
In a sweet story of overcoming your fears the author captures a precious moment between an encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
Is the story well written? Yes. The dialogue is sweet and realistic. The story moves along quickly and readers will find themselves smiling at Jabari’s thoughts and rooting him on.
Are the characters relatable? Yes. Every child who has wanted to try something new but had to overcome some fears will relate to Jabari.
Are there any language concerns? No
Are the pictures and illustrations appropriate and appealing to children? Yes, the illustrations are bright and engaging and add another depth to the story.
Does the story present good role models? Yes, the dad stands by and doesn’t force Jabari but offers encouragement until Jabari is ready.
Is this story compatible with Biblical truths? This is not a “Christian” story but contains no themes that oppose Christian beliefs. The story shows the importance of confronting challenges, being an encourager, and the fun of family time together.
