Parents' Guide to

Swimmy

By Esther Ehrlich, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Simple, life-affirming book about relationships.

Book Leo Lionni Picture Book 1973
Swimmy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 1 parent review

Bubeh
Bubeh Parent of 1-year-old
December 19, 2011
age 3+

Little Fish Teaches Big Lesson

Swimmy shows the other fish how each can have a better life when they all work together. The lesson is taught simply and without preaching. Adults and children alike will love the watercolor illustrations in this Caldecott Honor book.

This title has:

Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Swimmy's experiences. What important things about life and relationships does he learn? How does he end up learning these things?

Book Details

  • Author: Leo Lionni
  • Illustrator: Leo Lionni
  • Genre: Picture Book
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publication date: April 12, 1973
  • Number of pages: 28
  • Last updated: September 1, 2015

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