I'm ready for swimming by Jedda Robaard
Penguin Random House Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781760895976.
(Ages: 2-4) Recommended This is one of the latest in a beautiful
series of board books illustrated by Australian artist Jedda
Robaard. Featuring cute Australian animals the I'm Ready
series talks children through exciting milestones and events
(previous publications include I'm
Ready for Easter and I'm
Ready for the New Baby). These are fantastic toddler
books that bridge the gap between first concept books and longer
narrative books. They also look and feel distinctly Australian and
their relevance to the lives of the target audience make them
engaging and meaningful.They are perfect for reading to young
children in the lead up to specific events but will also be enjoyed
year round as they cover subjects that young children just love!
I'm Ready for Swimming follows a little possum preparing for
its first solo swimming lesson. Told in first person we hear the
varying emotions of the possum ('I'm excited and nervous at the same
time', 'I feel proud') and about how fears are allayed (goggles
stopping water going in eyes, mum and dad sitting and watching,
being lifted into the pool by the teacher). The story shows a
gentle, patient teacher who listens to the child's voice and
anxieties and helps children to know what they can say if the are
feeling anxious ('The other kids blow bubbles underwater but I'm not
ready yet'). At the end is a recap that reinforces achievements that
can feel monumental for a small child: 'I got into the pool by
myself. I swam by myself. I went underwater by myself.'
A perfect introduction to first swimming lessons for little ones or
for those graduating from swimming with parents to independent
lessons. Themes: Swimming lessons, Board book.
Nicole Nelson