Common Sense Media Review
By Esther Ehrlich , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Simple, life-affirming book about relationships.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 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?
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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