Swimmy
Common Sense says
- Leo Lionni
- Picture Book
- 1973
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book will keep kids engrossed from the sad beginning to the triumphant ending, enjoying the simple but dramatic plot, intriguing text, and dreamlike illustrations.
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- Parents say
- Kids say
Little Fish Teaches Big Lesson
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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?
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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