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Award-winning actress and Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph is the newest reader for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s children’s literacy program Storyline Online®. Ralph delivered with her unmatched talent and enthusiasm for her read-aloud of Jabari Jumps. This story is written and illustrated by Gaia Cornwall, and published by Candlewick Press. Cornwall, like Ralph, has received numerous awards and accolades for her work.
Jabari Jumps is a story about working up the courage to take a big, important leap. Jabari is almost ready to make a giant splash, but he needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do. In a sweet tale of overcoming your fears, Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy who readers can both relate to and root for.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance is delighted to welcome Jabari Jumps to the Foundation’s popular children’s literacy digital library — and is particularly excited to add the incomparable talent Sheryl Lee Ralph to Storyline Online’s cast of readers.
“I recommend every child, and every adult, take eight minutes out of their day to watch Sheryl Lee Ralph’s magical read-aloud of Jabari Jumps, and I promise you will walk away with some valuable tools and reminders of how to face your fears and take a courageous leap into a world of surprises, self-esteem and joy,” says Vance. “Many will recognize Ms. Ralph from her award-winning role as Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, but I, and many others, know her for the myriad of beloved performances she has been bringing to audiences for decades. It’s thrilling to see Ms. Ralph get her due, and we’re so grateful she chose to volunteer her time to help advance children’s literacy, and share her dynamic spirit with millions worldwide.”
As with all Storyline Online read-alouds, Jabari Jumps is accompanied by a complementary supplemental activity guide for teachers that aligns with Common Core Standards that strengthen verbal, written and comprehension skills. Jabari Jumps covers topics like stress management and goal setting and is aimed towards children from 1st to 3rd grades.
With over 900 million views worldwide, Storyline Online has been a trusted educational brand and free literacy resource for teachers and parents since 2001. Storyline Online remains committed to providing extra help to teachers in classrooms and parents with school-age children at home.
Sheryl Lee Ralph joins the illustrious cast of Storyline Online readers including Angela Bassett, Kristen Bell, Connie Britton, Terry Crews, Viola Davis, Rosario Dawson, Cynthia Erivo, Sutton Foster, Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney, John Lithgow, Rami Malek, Seth Meyers, Chris Pine, Justin Theroux, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh, and dozens more who have volunteered their time and talent to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading in hundreds of millions of children worldwide.
To watch Jabari Jumps and all of Storyline Online’s read-alouds, visit storylineonline.net. Keep up with new videos by subscribing to Storyline Online on YouTube and following Storyline Online on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.