Purchase to Support Our Program

“In VISUALLY INVENTIVE, LOVINGLY FINISHED pastel-and-watercolor spreads and sinuous lines of prose-poetry, debut author-illustrator Wong showcases myriad children encountering the joys of swimming.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“[When You Can Swim] is BOUND TO INSPIRE all swimmers to embrace nature, no matter where they are on their journey….A GORGEOUSLY RENDERED love letter to swimming and the magical experiences that it can unlock.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“With POETIC text and GORGEOUS, INCLUSIVE illustrations, Wong invites readers to learn how to swim—to conquer fear of the water, and also to reclaim aquatic spaces for Brown, Black, and differently abled bodies…This isn’t just a book about swimming but also ‘about our ideas of the world’; it’s a manifesto that ‘this belongs to you, too.’”

—Horn Book, Starred Review

When You Can Swim

Written by Jack Wong
Illustrated by Jack Wong
Published by Orchard Books

A reverent celebration of learning to swim among a diverse cast of children and families who each experience the mysterious joys of water in nature.

In this exploration of what it truly means to swim, expansive vignettes introduce sandpipers, tannin-soaked lakes, and the feeling of a small waterfall on sun-soaked shoulders. But what about those who are afraid of the water’s mysterious ways and resist learning to swim? Painting a compelling picture of the many joys and surprises that the water holds, artist and author Jack Wong has delivered an empowering, poetic journey that invites children to discover their confidence within to receive the warmth and wonder of the natural world.

También disponible en Español, Cuando Sepas Nadar.

 

Primary ISBN: 9781338830965
Publication Date: May 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book , Age 04 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.