Our Senior Relationship Manager, Jacey Wood, wrote this blog. As a mom herself, one of her favorite things to do with her kids is reading! Reading is a wonderful way to start the conversation about swimming and swimming lessons. Below she shared 4 of her favorite read aloud books about swimming and the challenges a new swimmer may face.
Swim, Jim!
Author and Illustrator: Kaz Windness
Book description: Jim the crocodile finds the courage to face his fear of swimming in this funny and charming debut picture book for fans of Jabari Jumps and Jean Reidy’s Truman! Jim the crocodile is scared of swimming –or rather, of sinking. His family’s swamp is just too deep, too dark, and too big. But maybe he could swim, if only there were a smaller swamp where he could try it on his own terms. Jim wiggle-waggles far and wide until he finds the perfect place.
With the help of some floaties and his sisters, Jim just might find the courage to face his fear and show everyone –including himself—that Jim can swim!
Swim, Swim, Sink!
Author: Jenn Harney
Book Description: Three tiny ducks. One straight line. New happy flock. All feeling fine.
Until, that is, the last duckling sinks when she should swim. Let’s try that again . . . and again and again. All this sinking is ruining the rhyme!
Little ones will love following the antics of these adorable ducklings, and parents will enjoy the way the book goes off the rails halfway through. Everyone will laugh at the tiny ducky’s string of failures and cheer when it comes up with the best solution of all.
YouTube read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0zgC65ap2w
Froggy Learns to Swim
Author: Jonathan London and Illustrator: Frank Remkiewicz
Book Description: Zzzziiiinnngggg splash
Everyone’s favorite frog learns to swim
Frogs are supposed to be great swimmers. “Not me,” says Froggy, who’s afraid of the water. But with a little encouragement, some practice, and the help of a silly song or two, Froggy becomes an expert frog-kicker
“Froggy’s childlike dialogue and the sound words–‘zook Zik ‘; ‘flop flop . . . splash ‘ make this a wonderful read aloud.” –School Library Journal
An IRA/CBC Children’s Choice
A Junior Library Guild Selection
YouTube read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIl_Yq423-Y
No Swimming for Nelly
Author: Valeri Gorbachery
Dive into a funny story about conquering your fears with a little help from loved ones. Nelly has a brand-new swimsuit and she loves it. She looks fabulous, so she wears it all the time– while riding her bike, eating at a fancy restaurant, playing basketball . . . she even wears it to bed.
There is one place Nelly won’t take her lovely new suit: swimming. No way! She will not get in the water. But Grandma, a swimming champion, has other ideas. And with Grandma’s loving help, Nelly gives it a try– dipping one toe in at a time, blowing bubbles, and learning to float.
Soon Nelly is on the way to becoming a champion swimmer herself!
This sweet story about trying new things encourages young readers to take the plunge and find new ways to have fun! Valeri Gorbachev’s signature illustrations are cozy and warm, making this a gentle, encouraging read for any young ones anxious about new experiences.
YouTube read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62gOEQxFpwo
Let’s get excited! There is one sweet book not out yet, but I know it will be a great addition to your summer swim library.
Pre-Order:
Chickens Don’t Swim!
Author: Laura Willingham
Book Description: After Lily, a young chicken, realizes she’s not a natural born swimmer, she becomes resourceful and finds a creative way to swim.
Story takeaways: Being adventurous can have its mishaps, but completing the goal can be rewarding. When there’s a will, there’s a way!
Resources
https://bookshop.org/books?keywords=swimming
