Tomorrow is the last day of Summer for my niece and nephew who return to school on Thursday. This is the first Summer we didn’t get to go swimming with them and I miss it a lot. I also didn’t get to go with my own family which is horrible.
To remind us of the past when we would go swimming I would like to share a new addition to our Back-To-School Gift Guide 2023: Together We Swim written by Valerie Boling and Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita which will keep our swimming adventures in our hearts. I received a copy of the book for this review.
Together We Swim is from ChronicleKids.com which offers us a lot of boos Charlie and I’ve used in our Homeschool Classes. I can’t wait to check out the website to see what new books they have for Charlie and I to read. I hope you take the time to check out the website as well.
I knew from the picture on the cover of the book of the boy and his mom that this would be a story I would love. Being a boy mom myself the bond we have in unbreakable just like they have in the story. Look at that calm water and how clear it is I might actually be able to get Charlie to go swimming which he says he doesn’t like but used to love when he was little. Until his best friend held Charlie under water and wouldn’t let him up.
That is a story for another time. Lets get back to mine and Charlie thoughts on Together We Swim. Before I do this book is dedicated to black mothers but moms of all colors can and will relate to this story. Don’t let that stop you from sharing the story with your children.
The book is written for younger children but anyone who loves to swim would enjoy the story including adults. The illustrations brings the story to life and makes you want to dive right into the swimming pool with them. 4 feet is as far as I am going and that is where they are in the pool. How about you. Would you go further?
Now they are in 5 feet but I will wait on them to come back because I don’t swim that well. How about you? I love how the author tells us step by step what to do when learning to swim. With her instructions I might be able to learn. Would you like to join me?
Opp’s we sunk under the water but it’s okay it’s just a small blunder. Don’t let that stop you from trying again and again. I love how reassuring the mom is to the little boy and how calm she remains when talking to him. Can you guess what happened? I]m not going to tell you you need to pick up your own copy of the book to share with your friends and family.
About:
A joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son’s relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child’s first swimming lessons.
Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom’s steady arms there’s no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family’s cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.
Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. With lyrical rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Together We Swim is destined to become a family read-aloud favorite!
VIBRANT & JOYFUL: Rhythmic text paired with dynamically illustrated kicks, flutters, and splashes against a palette of deep blue create a bright portrait that is both encouraging and warm for any child learning to swim.
A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR NEW SWIMMERS: The perfect book for any child facing nervous excitement or trepidation about learning to swim!
THE JOY OF A FIRST SWIM LESSON: Who can forget the first time they learned how to swim? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to swim.
A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story time in any household.
PERFECT GIFT FOR MOM: If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift or a birthday gift for mom, look no further! She will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!
Perfect for: • Mother’s Day gift giving
• Going-to-the-pool book for little ones approaching the big milestone of learning to swim
• Parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for books about swimming for kids
• Teachers, educators, and librarians
• Readers who enjoyed Jabari Jumps, Llama Llama Learns to Swim, and Hair Love
Kaylani Juanita illustrates inclusive picture books, such as Ta-Da!, When Aiden Became a Brother, and Magnificent Homespun Brown, for which she received the 2021 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award. Her mission as an artist is to support the stories of the underrepresented and create new ways for people to imagine themselves. She currently lives in Fairfield, CA. You can find her on Instagram @kaylanijuanita.
Valerie Bolling has been an educator for twenty-seven years. Valerie serves as the co-chair of the NESCBWI Equity and Inclusion Team and is a member of SCBWI, the Authors Guild, and NCTE. She lives in Stamford, CT, and you can find her at.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
