I Will Swim Next Time

by Emily Joof, Matilda Ruta (Illustrator)

Overview

"Gentle, inspiring, and important... for parents looking to quell children's fears, support their dreams, and allow them room to grow." – Kirkus Reviews

"When we went to a beach,
my tummy felt tight.
I really wanted to try,
but it still felt wrong inside.

Definitely... possibly...
Perhaps I'd swim – next time."

At first the big blue sea makes them feel small and scared. Then the child visits a lake and a river, and their fear of water gradually starts to ebb as curiosity begins to flow.

A wonderful book for any child who is feeling nervous about new experiences, with lyrical words by Emily Joof and bold, dynamic illustrations by Matilda Ruta.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782508298
Publisher:	Floris Books
Publication date:	08/01/2023
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	11.40(w) x 9.30(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Emily Joof is an African-diaspora author, education expert and mother. She writes children's books and stories with a focus on inclusion and diversity which have been translated into Swedish, French and Wolof. Born in Nigeria, Emily now divides her time between the Gambia, the UK and Sweden. I Will Swim Next Time is inspired by experiences with her daughter.

Matilda Ruta is an illustrator and author based in Stockholm, Sweden. She has written and illustrated many books for children, and has been nominated for the Elsa Beskow Plaque and the August Award.

Editorial Reviews

'Gentle, inspiring, and important The story offers a model for parents looking to quell children's fears, support their dreams, and allow them room to grow. Given that many swimming pools have historically excluded African American communities and that Black children face an elevated risk of drowning, a narrative that spotlights a Black family reveling in the water is especially welcome.' —Kirkus Reviews

'This quiet, gentle book perfectly encapsulates the hesitations of many children around water, by honoring their emotions and process. The lovely ink and watercolor art creates lovely watery scenes that are so inviting.' —Youth Services Book Review

'A fun and effective picture book for any child who is feeling nervous about new experiences.' —Midwest Book Review

'What I love is both the expressions on the characters and the art itself. This book is undoubtedly a keeper.' —School Library Journal

'A vibrant and inviting picture book about a child gradually facing a fear of water, with lush art and a nuanced narrative.' —Green Light Bookstore, Holiday Pick 2023

'A boldly illustrated book that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt a bit of fear towards water... The theme of persistence, taking time to feel right about a decision and especially the understanding the mom demonstrates is heartening and refreshing. The illustrations pair well with the gentle words and certainly display a loving relationship. A good addition for any collection to build diverse character representation in everyday stories.' — Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's and Young Adult Literature

'Told delicately and illustrated with richly colorful drawings, the story of one child overcoming her fear is inspiring.'—Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

From the Publisher

2023-06-21
With nurturing from Mama, a young child gradually learns to love swimming.

Strapped to Mama’s chest, an infant is initially frightened by the water: “When I first saw the big blue sea / I was scared and confused. / It crashed so loud and spread so wide. / It made me feel small inside.” Subsequent trips to other bodies of water as the child grows older are conveyed through simple rhythmic text. The young narrator considers the attributes of a deep, “quiet lake” and a river with “water rushing by” and mulls venturing into the water, each time opting to go in...next time. Encouraging words, plenty of patience, and an imaginative journey through “watery worlds,” experienced from the comfort of Mama's arms, lay the foundation for the protagonist’s eventual decision to dive into a swimming pool. Illustrations hand drawn in ink and painted using watercolors contribute to the nurturing feel of the text. Both the mother and child, whose gender is not identified, are depicted with dark brown skin and tightly curled black hair. Translated from Swedish, the story offers a model for parents looking to quell children’s fears, support their dreams, and allow them room to grow. Given that many swimming pools have historically excluded African American communities and that Black children face an elevated risk of drowning, a narrative that spotlights a Black family reveling in the water is especially welcome. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Gentle, inspiring, and important. (Picture book. 3-5)

Kirkus Reviews