FICTION

Swimming, Swimming

illus. by Clement, Gary. 48p. Groundwood. 2015. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781554984497.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 4—This is an oversize, illustrated version of the song "Swimming, Swimming in a Swimming Pool." Full of summertime blues and greens, the painterly, full-bleed spreads depict four friends spending hot summer days at the community pool, goofing off, eating ice cream, and looking forward to doing it all over again the next day. The only text is the words to the song appearing in the middle of the book. Older children will enjoy poring over details in the cartoon illustrations. There isn't much going on to hold the attention of younger children. Nonetheless, the point is that it doesn't take much to keep kids engaged all summer long, as long as there's water, friends, and swimming involved.
VERDICT As fresh and engaging as a cool dunk on a hot day.
Reviewed by Mindy Whipple, West Jordan Library, UT
This buoyant celebration of aquatic fun takes readers through the steps of waking up, meeting friends, and swimming. Upon arrival at the pool, wordless spreads give way to shared dialogue bubbles as swimmers attest in unison to water's delights. Light-filled pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations capture summer's rich greens and luminous blues, and swimmers' goofy, friendly faces invite readers to join the fun.
, May 01, 2015

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