by Lisl H Detlefsen (Author) Madeline Valentine (Illustrator)
First swimming lessons can be exciting and terrifying, but this joyful and imaginative guide from Lisl H. Detlefsen, illustated by Madeline Valentine, shows young readers how to conquer the pool.
From what to wear (a bathing suit, of course!) to what to expect (no, your teacher will not be a mermaid), 1, 2, 3, Jump! covers the what-if's and how-to's of getting in the pool for the first time. There's a lot to worry about (can I be sucked in the filter?) and even more to be excited about (when can I wear flippers?), and our narrator has thought of everything. By the time she's ready, you to will want to jump in!
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PreS-Gr 2--An unnamed narrator instructs a young girl in the proper ways to approach swimming lessons. As the child gets ready, the narrator guides her through the various beginning stages of swimming, including choosing the right swimsuit and proper swim etiquette. The text appears to follow the character above and below the water line and gives readers the illusion of swimming along. Bold and large fonts effectively emphasize important phrases. White space is used to portray all areas outside the pool. This directs readers' attention to the water, where most of the action takes place. The characters are drawn with rounded figures giving the book a playful look and feel. They can be seen floating, swimming, and merrily kicking throughout. The book changes perspectives often. This notion of movement echoes the vantage point of an excited child moving in and alongside a pool. VERDICT A great way to encourage children to both explore the world around them and incorporate new activities into their daily lives. Dive right in.--Deanna Smith, Pender County Public Library, NC
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Pair this with Cornwall's Jabari Jumps for an encouraging primer before kiddos head off to make their big splash. - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)
Lisl H. Detlefsen is the author of Time for Cranberries and If You Had a Jetpack. She lives with her husband and two sons on a family-owned cranberry marsh in Wisconsin.
Madeline Valentine is the author/illustrator of I Want That Nut!, George in the Dark, and The Bad Birthday Idea. She lives with her family in Queens, New York.