Water has served its purpose for everyone worldwide. At its worst, it can be a big source of fear for many people. And at its most, it allows us to do critical daily activities such as drinking, bathing, cooking, and more. Yet have you ever thought of anything that could enhance the importance even more? The answer may sound doubtful, but it’s true. Picture books.
“Swimmers,” by Mariana Alcántara, is a poetic picture book full of humor. It allows the reader to sense how a deep, blue sea or an Olympic swimming pool can “blur the line between what is and isn’t possible.” Its illustrations are engulfed in imagination – -a clock half-submerged in a fishbowl, fish in swimsuits and swimmers with fins, opening the world of aqua to everyone.
Distinctively, Sara Stridsberg, the author of “The Summer of Diving,” incorporates a theme of unity. This intriguing story is about a girl named Zoe whose father is suffering from severe depression. Later, she meets a professional swimmer named Sabina who simply asks, “Shall we swim?” Stridsberg conveys Zoe and Sabina’s friendship for their love of water and swimming.
“Swim Team,” by award winning graphic novelist Jonnie Christmas is about a girl named Bree who moves to a new school. The only afterschool activity open is swimming, which is her biggest fear. Luckily, Etta, Bree’s neighbor, is a former swim champion and rescued Bree from when she nearly drowned. Christmas shows that swimming is always enjoyable no matter your race, with Etta as a successful Black female swimmer.
Despite being typically associated with children’s stories, these books can reach a wide range of ages and audiences as a universal message of courage and perseverance. Bonnie Tsui, the author of “Why We Swim” says that these stories have been her guide since she was a young kid. “Growing up, I loved my swim team, and the lessons I took away from the experience – -how to be a good teammate and citizen – -stay with me.” She said. “I love that our human relationship with water spurs conversations about so much more.”
Link:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1659267119308x646044209426348560/%E2%80%9CSwim%20Team_%20Small%20Waves%2C%20Big%20Changes%E2%80%9D%20by%20Johnnie%20Christmas%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
“Swimmers,” by Mariana Alcántara, is a poetic picture book full of humor. It allows the reader to sense how a deep, blue sea or an Olympic swimming pool can “blur the line between what is and isn’t possible.” Its illustrations are engulfed in imagination – -a clock half-submerged in a fishbowl, fish in swimsuits and swimmers with fins, opening the world of aqua to everyone.
Distinctively, Sara Stridsberg, the author of “The Summer of Diving,” incorporates a theme of unity. This intriguing story is about a girl named Zoe whose father is suffering from severe depression. Later, she meets a professional swimmer named Sabina who simply asks, “Shall we swim?” Stridsberg conveys Zoe and Sabina’s friendship for their love of water and swimming.
“Swim Team,” by award winning graphic novelist Jonnie Christmas is about a girl named Bree who moves to a new school. The only afterschool activity open is swimming, which is her biggest fear. Luckily, Etta, Bree’s neighbor, is a former swim champion and rescued Bree from when she nearly drowned. Christmas shows that swimming is always enjoyable no matter your race, with Etta as a successful Black female swimmer.
Despite being typically associated with children’s stories, these books can reach a wide range of ages and audiences as a universal message of courage and perseverance. Bonnie Tsui, the author of “Why We Swim” says that these stories have been her guide since she was a young kid. “Growing up, I loved my swim team, and the lessons I took away from the experience – -how to be a good teammate and citizen – -stay with me.” She said. “I love that our human relationship with water spurs conversations about so much more.”
Link:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1659267119308x646044209426348560/%E2%80%9CSwim%20Team_%20Small%20Waves%2C%20Big%20Changes%E2%80%9D%20by%20Johnnie%20Christmas%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
