Jabari first appeared in Jabari Jumps, where, with the support of his dad, he tackles his fear and makes his first dive. The faded colors and somewhat static faces aren't my personal preference for art, but the strong story made this a popular pick for many libraries.
Now Jabari returns with several new challenges, all helping him learn how to deal with frustration, develop patience, and learn to cooperate. Jabari, his dad, and his little sister Nika are spending the day out in the yard. Jabari has a plan - to make a flying machine - and he doesn't need any help. Not from his dad, not from Nika. As Jabari suffers setback after setback, he thinks of famous Black inventors, and keeps trying. With his dad's gentle coaching, he lets Nika be his partner, does some deep breathing to handle his frustration, and finally his flying machine works!
Soft, faded greens fill the backyard, contrasting with the rich, dark colors of Jabari and his family's skin and hair and the dirt his dad is using in the garden. Jabari is dressed in oranges, reds, and blues, the same colors that decorate his flying machine, while Nika sports a polka-dot blue shirt, patterned ochre wings, and a variety of costumes from a fringed cowgirl suit to a fluffy blue tutu.
Verdict: A gentle and encouraging story to help young listeners overcome frustration and keep trying, this will be a strong choice for classroom read-alouds and fit in well with storytimes focused on concepts like making mistakes, cooperation, and being resilient when things don't work out as you plan.
ISBN: 9781536207163; Published September 2020 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library
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