Picture Book Review: Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall

Image: Candlewick Press

Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall. unpgd. Candlewick Press, September, 2020. 9781536207163. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Hooray! Jabari is back! This time, he has decided to invent a flying machine! He insists that he needs no help as he gathers his parts and sets up ramps and other doohickeys to launch his machine. When the launch fails, Jabari is undaunted. He even does a little book research before trying again. And again. And again. Each time, his little sister, Nike offers to help. Jabari becomes increasing frustrated as his increasingly elaborate plans go awry. 

Jabari has a loving and supportive family and though he has lost his patience, he trusts his father to point him in the right direction. This relatable and lovely windows/ mirror story belongs in every library collection. Fans of Jabari Jumps will relish seeing him again. New fans may seek out the first. I hope to see more of Jabari and his joyous family. 

Full Steam Ahead by Paul A. Reynolds

Sydney & Simon: Full Steam Ahead by Paul A. Reynolds. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. 48 p. Charlesbridge, September, 2014. 9781580896757. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review.)

Sydney and Simon are spirited and colorful twin mice endowed with a healthy dose of inquisitiveness and a bent for problem solving. Both siblings keep a wonder journal, only Sydney's is a traditional notebook, while Simon's is a tablet. This enables him to take pictures and shoot videos while the two use STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) to learn about the water cycle to try to save the wilting plants in their window box. 

The narrative moves along jauntily as the twins turn to the helpful adults in their lives who support and step back. The whimsical, energetic illustrations add appeal. A glossary of terms and note to the reader asking, "Are You a STEAM thinker?" conclude the volume, the first in a series. This is a pleasing addition to the STEAM (STEM) collection.