Jabari Jumps: questions to ask and activities to try
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board, almost. Jabari Jumps is an award-winning story about feeling scared, taking your time, and finding your courage.
What age is it for? Jabari Jumps is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Working up the courage to try something scary.
Jabari Jumps (Gaia Cornwall)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Working up the courage to try something scary
Read it before swimming lessons or any big first. Pause at the top of the ladder and ask what Jabari could do. The dad's patience is a great model: he never pushes.
What it helps with
- Feeling scared before something new
- Taking your time to feel ready
- A grown-up who supports without pushing
- Swimming and first big challenges
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did Jabari want to do?”
- “How did he feel when he got to the top?”
- “What did he do to stall?”
- “What did his dad say to help?”
- “How did he feel after he jumped?”
- “What’s something brave you’d like to try?”
5-minute activities to try together
Ready breath
Practise Jabari's trick: take a big breath and say “I'm ready”, before something new.
Small jumps
Jump off a low step onto a cushion, then a slightly higher one. Talk about how it feels each time.
Free printables: Jabari Jumps worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Don't Worry, Little Crab (Chris Haughton)
- Best for
- Being scared to try something new
- Age
- 2-5
A Brave Bear (Sean Taylor and Emily Hughes)
- Best for
- Being brave, and the people who help us
- Age
- 3-6
After the Fall (Dan Santat)
- Best for
- Children who are scared to try again after something went wrong
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.