As the school year draws to a close, plenty of kids are looking forward to spending their summer by the pool, lake, or beach. For some kids, however, this can present a little bit of apprehension, especially for those who will be undergoing a classic summertime rite of passage: learning to swim. As with any childhood anxiety, a picture book on the subject can often be of assistance in easing fears and providing a little encouragement to, as Dory would say, “just keep swimming.” So dive in with us as we check out nine children’s books that are all about learning to swim.
Leo Can Swim by Anna McQuinn, Illustrated by Ruth Hearson
These days, little ones often start their journey to becoming swimmers as infants and toddlers, attending baby swim time with a parent or caregiver. In this title, an entry in the adorable Leo Can! Series by McQuinn and Hearson, readers follow Leo and Daddy get ready for Leo’s first swim class at the community center: looking over a swimming book together, changing into swimsuits in the locker room, and finally enjoying a splishy-splashy playtime in the pool. In addition to being a sweet story, this is a great practical guide to prepare tiny bookworms for their own first swim class, giving them an idea of what to expect and getting them excited to try swimming for themselves.
Saturday Is Swimming Day by Hyewon Yum
Trying new things can always be a challenge, especially when you’re a little kid facing down a great, big pool. Every Saturday, the unnamed narrator of this tale heads to swim class yet refuses to get in, using every tactic from faked stomachaches to hiding in a locker. However, her mom and her instructor, Mary, are patient and only ask that the child try again next week. After a few weeks, she allows Mary to guide her closer to the pool, then gathers to courage to dip a toe in. And what do you know? Maybe swimming isn’t all that bad. As the adults never force the young swimmer past her comfort zone, this is a solid tale of patience and encouragement, not only for reluctant swimmers but for their caregivers as well.
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim by Kobina Commeh, Illustrated by Bárbara Quintino
Often, the most fun way to learn something new is to learn alongside someone else, especially when that someone is a person you love and trust. After an embarrassing incident at the lake, young Kwesi tells his Nana Ruby that he wants to learn how to swim, but he is scared. Nane Ruby reveals that due to Jim Crow segregation in her childhood, she never learned to swim either, and she makes Kwesi a deal: “I will learn to swim, if you do.” Commeh and Quintino’s book is not simply an inspiration for new swimmers, but also a delicate and affecting peek at the complex relationship that the U.S. Black community has with swimming, and a beautiful exploration of Ghanaian culture, intergenerational love, and personal pride.
I Will Swim Next Time by Emily Joof, Illustrated by Matilda Ruta
The first time the young narrator of this title visited the ocean with her Mama, she was scared. Even strapped safely to Mama’s chest, the sea was loud, vast, and turbulent enough to leave a lasting impression that lingers with the child as they grow. With each new trip to the water — sea, lake, river, or pool — the child quietly observes the water but decides that they will swim “next time.” Again, this is a fantastic swimming book that acknowledges and validates children’s worries while also providing gentle encouragement to take things at their own pace, as eventually the child does find the courage all on their own to take a chance and dive in.
Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling, Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
As a family spends a day at the pool, the youngest member is feeling a bit nervous; his mom is helping him learn to swim. While he exhibits some nerves and there are a few scary moments, Mom is there every step of the way, teaching him the basics of keeping his head up, floating, and learning to kick while using a kickboard. Dad and big sister cheer him on as the little boy’s confidence grows, and he ends the day on a high note, feeling “in the zone.” Simple rhyming text pairs perfectly with endearing illustrations for an upbeat and joyful look at the fundamentals of learning to swim. Plus, as body modification representation is still quite rare in picture books, bonus points for parents with tattoos and piercings!
Lottie & Walter by Anna Walker
Even though Lottie goes to the pool every Saturday, she refuses to get in, because she sees something in the water that no one else seems able to: a scary, super-hungry shark that wants to eat her. But one day, while she’s waiting on the pool’s edge, Walter arrives. The giant walrus seems to be as invisible to others as the shark is, but Lottie doesn’t mind; Walter is a good friend, keeping Lottie company with stories, games, and a shared love of fish sticks. But can Walter help her face her fears of the pool — and the shark? An incredibly heartwarming tale that will remind little readers of how courage can come in many forms… even walrus-shaped ones.
Shark Nate-O by Tara Luebbe & Becky Cattie, Illustrated by Daniel Duncan
A polar opposite to Lottie from the last entry, the Nate of this tale LOVES sharks. His bedroom is decorated with shark posters, he’s watched every shark documentary, and he has dozens of shark facts memorized. Still, his older brother Alex teases that he’s not a real shark; after all, sharks can swim, and Nate can’t. Determined to prove Alex wrong and further his selachian obsession, Nate decides that he will learn. While Nate’s motivation may be a little too based in competitiveness for some readers, the story does offer a great look and how to learn the basics of swimming, as well as the lesson that becoming great at something takes work and dedication. Also, it can’t be denied: sharks are awesome.
Swim, Jim! by Kaz Windness
One night in the Swigwater Swamp, three baby crocodiles hatched: Sim, Kim, and Jim. While older sisters Sim and Kim are natural swimmers, Jim can barely bring himself to dip a toe in. It’s not that he’s afraid of swimming; he’s afraid of sinking. Jim decides to set out and find a small, well-lit swamp to practice in. After a fruitless search, Jim stumbles upon a strange-looking group of scaleless crocodiles swimming in a clear “swamp,” and using floaties and noodles to keep from sinking! Maybe Jim should try… and maybe he’ll have some unexpected help while he tries to be a swimming Jim. A multifaceted story that does a great job of balancing lessons on overcoming the fear of swimming and being supportive of companions who may take longer to learn a skill, such as those with differing abilities.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Technically, Jabari already knows how to swim at the start of this title; he’s finished his lessons and passed his swim test. However, he is ready to take his swimming skills to the next level — he wants to jump off the high diving board like the other kids. But when he sees how high the board is, he begins to get nervous. He allows the other children to go first. Then he has trouble climbing the ladder, so he takes a tiny break. He realizes that he forgot to stretch (can’t dive without stretching). In fact, there are a lot of little things standing in the way of his big jump. His Daddy takes him aside and gives sage advice: it’s okay to be scared to try new things. Sometimes, you just have to take a deep breath, tell yourself you’re ready… and jump.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these books and that they inspire any nervous aspiring swimmers to take the plunge. Happy reading (and swimming)!
Want to learn more about Kaz Windness, the author of Swim, Jim!? Check out Bookstr’s exclusive interview with the author-illustrator!
To see all of our recommendations for mini-bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
