Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall

"I'm making a flying machine today! Jabari told his dad."

Little sister Nika would love to help but Jabari says NO - this is HIS machine and he will make it fly - right across the garden. 

Then his dad says:

"You know, I bet Nika would love to help out ... what if you thought of her more like a partner?"

Nika joins in and helps but the plane just won't work. When the plane crashes yet again dad says:

"It looks like a frustrating problem ... When I'm frustrated I gather up all my patience and take a deep breath, and blow away all the mixed feelings inside ... And then I try again."

This is the second book about Jabari. I am not a fan of books with "messages" but I love the message in this book and the way it is conveyed. Themes of cooperation; problem solving; perseverance; sibling relationships; listening to wisdom; and accepting help from others.

This generously sized picture book offers a lovely picture of mentorship and healthy relationships in the context of a thriving Black family with dark skin tones. Jabari’s emotional ups and downs will be familiar to young children, and his hard-won success feels triumphant. Kirkus Star review

With older students you could also use this book to research the inventors that Jabari admires - Lewis Howard Latimer (electricity); Dr Flossie Wong-Staal (HIV AIDS); Roy Allela (Sign language gloves); and Dr Shirley Ann Jackson (Physics). Actually I think these choices reflect more about the author and not Jabari who is perhaps a little too young to know about these four inventors. 

Here is the previous book about Jabari:

Publisher blurb: 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.

Here is an interview where Gaia talks about Jabari Jumps.