Swimmy (by Leo Lionni)

Swimmy is the sole survivor of an encounter between a school of small fish and a tuna. When he meets a new group of his kind hiding among the rocks, he is determined to hatch a plan so they can safely explore their world. This visually rich, life-affirming book teaches kids that relationships matter.

SWIMMY succeeds in conveying an important moral lesson with a sense of grace. There's nothing heavy-handed here, just a simple tale about a humble little fish who is passionate about life. Kids learn about perseverance, cooperation, and the power of unity.

The watercolor prints are vivid, and the lyrical language has a wide appeal, lulling the youngest children, challenging new readers, and keeping older kids (and even adults) engaged. Creatures come alive through descriptions like that of a lobster "who walked about like a water-moving machine." Even the seaweed seems magical. This is a little picture book that feels as big as the sea. It may very well become one of your family's favorites.