The Children’s Book Review | June 29, 2009
The days are longer, the temperature is rising, and summer is here to stay a while—it’s time to hit the pool! Just in case you have a youngster who is a little timid when it comes to splashing around and getting their face wet, here are three books that feature lovable characters who all work at overcoming their fear of swimming:
Sergio Makes a Splash
Written and Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez
Reading level: Ages 2-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (May 1, 2008)
… “Sergio is a penguin. He loves fish, soccer, and water. He loves drinking water, bathing in water, spraying water, just about anything with water! But he has one big problem; he can’t swim.” …
TCBR review: “… Sergio is such a like-able character, and he makes a wonderful role model for anyone learning to swim.” Read more…
Add this book to your collection: Sergio Makes a Splash
Swim, Little Wombat, Swim!
Written and Illustrated by Charles Fuge
Reading level: Ages 1-6
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Sterling (August 1, 2005)
Publisher’s synopsis: Little Wombat is back! Award-winning author and illustrator Charles Fuge–whose Sometimes I Curl Up in a Ball sold 106,000 copies and charmed critics and children alike–has created a new adventure for his ever-popular character. It’s a fun-filled tale about discovering new friends and appreciating others’ differences.
Fans of Charles Fuge’s Little Wombat will rejoice at the adorable creature’s return–and at the introduction of an appealing new friend for his hero. And what an unusual animal Platypus is: he waddles when he walks, has a funny fuzzy face, and most special of all, can swim just like a fish. Little Wombat would love to do that too. But are wombats meant for the water…or is he better off staying on dry land?
Every child who has ever eyed the swimming pool nervously will happily follow Little Wombat’s success.
School Library Journal review: “… This story offers a good lesson about friendship. It is also reassuring to potential new swimmers.” ~ Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ
Add this book to your collection: Swim, Little Wombat, Swim!
Froggy Learns to Swim
Written by Jonathan London
Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Puffin (June 1, 1997)
Publisher’s synopsis: 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! Full color.
School Library Journal review: “…Froggy’s childlike dialogue and the sound words “zook! zik!”; “flop flop…splash!” make this story a wonderful read-aloud. …” ~ Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SC
Add this book to your collection: Froggy Learns to Swim
Updated on 2/19/16: We were recently sent a pair of Frogglez Goggles (swim goggles) to try out on our kids here at TCBR headquarters. And, guess what? We loved them. They stayed on Miss Four-Year-Old’s head like no other pair of goggles we’ve ever owned. Plus, the strap makes them super easy to get on and off. Highly recommended!
After reading our list of Kids Books That Tackle the Fears of Swimming, we’d love to know which books you have used to tackle the fears that your child has! Why not leave us a comment?
3 Comments
Neat idea to round up three great books about learning to swim! I wish they’d been around when I was a kid.
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This is a great idea and it really works. I read the book “Biscuit goes to School” to my 3 year old before he started preschool. It made him quite excited to go to school!