When You Can Swim

by Jack Wong Narrated by Shannon Tyo

Overview

A reverent celebration of learning to swim among a diverse cast of children and families who each experience the mysterious joys of water in nature.

In this exploration of what it truly means to swim, expansive vignettes introduce sandpipers, tannin-soaked lakes, and the feeling of a small waterfall on sun-soaked shoulders. But what about those who are afraid of the water's mysterious ways and resist learning to swim? Painting a compelling picture of the many joys and surprises that the water holds, artist and author Jack Wong has delivered an empowering, poetic journey that invites children to discover their confidence within to receive the warmth and wonder of the natural world.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for When You Can Swim:

Amazon Best Book of May: Ages 3-5

Publishers Weekly Best Summer Read for 2023

* “In VISUALLY INVENTIVE, LOVINGLY FINISHED pastel-and-watercolor spreads and sinuous lines of prose-poetry, debut author-illustrator Wong showcases myriad children encountering the joys of swimming.” Publishers Weekly. starred review

* “[When You Can Swim] is BOUND TO INSPIRE all swimmers to embrace nature, no matter where they are on their journey….A GORGEOUSLY RENDERED love letter to swimming and the magical experiences that it can unlock.” Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “Jack Wong’s BREATHTAKING watery landscapes, strong currents surge beneath rushing waterfalls, and sunlight shimmers on ocean waves and the surface of a river…Text and illustrations merge SEAMLESSLY….Wong’s playful perspectives are CAPTIVATING…STUNNING…[A] SPLENDID PICTURE BOOK.” BookPage, starred review

* “With POETIC text and GORGEOUS, INCLUSIVE illustrations, Wong invites readers to learn how to swim—to conquer fear of the water, and also to reclaim aquatic spaces for Brown, Black, and differently abled bodies…This isn’t just a book about swimming but also ‘about our ideas of the world’; it’s a manifesto that ‘this belongs to you, too.’” Horn Book, starred review

“In watercolors and pastels, this picture book EXTOLS the future joys of swimming in many different locales.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “New Books for 2023 Summer Reading”

“[A] MARVELOUS book with its GLORIOUS poetry and SPECTACULAR pastel and watercolor illustrations offers an INSPIRING of what is possible when someone conquers their fear of the water and dares to swim in the ocean, a pond, a lake, a canal, a swimming pool.” The Buffalo News

“STUNNINGLY ILLUSTRATED and LYRICAL.” BookRiot

“This EXQUISITELY ILLUSTRATED picture book celebrates all the wonder and adventure to be found when you sink your body into water.” Northern Virginia Magazine

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2023-04-21
Debut author Wong celebrates the freedom and joys of swimming.

With endpapers that depict an Asian child gazing uncertainly at their own reflection in a pool, this book offers beginning swimmers both reassurance and compelling promises of adventure and discovery that will ensue “when you can swim.” Images portray adults sharing the gifts of the water with their young ones, from shallow waters perfect for lazy afternoons to the otherworldly landscape of watery depths. Wong’s beautiful watercolor-and-pastel illustrations demonstrate a mastery of light and shadow, creating a textural quality that makes each page dance with life and movement. Combined with the lyrical text (“When you can swim, / we’ll bend like boulders / beneath rushing waterfalls”), each frame immediately immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and sensations of summer. Swimmers who are diverse in terms of body type, age, skin tone, and ability can be seen enjoying the natural world. In his author’s note, Wong shares his own experiences with swimming as a young person of color, explaining that this conscious representation is an affirmation that swimming is for everyone: “Yes, this belongs to you, too.” The title is bound to inspire all swimmers to embrace nature, no matter where they are on their journeys. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A gorgeously rendered love letter to swimming and the magical experiences that it can unlock. (Picture book. 4-8)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159765499
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	05/16/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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