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