Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

 Age Range: 18 months – 4 years

It’s summertime and swimming season has arrived! Lots of little ones are dipping their toes in the pool for the first time and learning how to swim. Trying new things, like swimming, can feel scary and books are an excellent tool to help kiddos get acclimated and ready to do something they haven’t done before. Together We Swim is a wonderful introduction to safe swimming. Using simple rhyming text, readers follow a boy learning to swim with his family. He wears a swim vest, uses a pool noodle and kickboard, practices kicking, and works with his mom to get comfortable in the water. The book shows some of the usual struggles, like getting dunked in the water from a failed attempt to float, and the elation that comes from grasping a new skill. Go check this one out at your local library today and don’t forget to sign up for summer reading! All Kansas City area libraries are giving away free books to kids and offering family-friendly events. You can also check out these great resources from the American Red Cross for parents of first-time swimmers and download their free online water safety course for caregivers.