Swimming Books for Kids

Dive into this collection of fantastic swimming books for kids and discover a world of underwater adventure, fun, learning, and friendship!

Books for Kids About Swimming

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Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling uses sparse text and amazing illustrations to tell the story of a child learning to swim with their family at the pool. There is so much to study in the illustrations making it work for young children and older ones too.

We’ve all been there…an embarrassing poop-in-your-pants moment. Well, this one takes place in the pool. The Boy Who Cried Poop! by Alessandra Requena revisits a childhood memory of her own family in this laugh-out-loud funny tale. In the story, a young boy feels that he needs to poop so the family trudges up the stairs from the pool to take him potty. But, then he doesn’t need to go. So, back downstairs they go to the pool. This scene plays out multiple times until he can’t make it to the potty in time.

A Mermaid Girl by Sana Rafi is the story of a young girl and her mother headed to the community pool in their burkinis. They are both excited to be mermaids in the water, but her friends start asking questions about her burkini and she feels like she stands out too much. But Mama helps her find her inner mermaid connectedness with others and feel good about herself and her choices.

Nothing says summer like a pool party full of fun and friends. Dive right into Pool Party by Amy Duchêne and Elisa Parhad for festive pool party fun and lots of rich descriptive vocabulary describing your time at the pool.

Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins showcases the whole city coming together for a pool day. If you have ever been to a city public pool, this one is for you. I love that this book captures the energy and diversity of a day at the public pool.

When You Can Swim by Jack Wong has a poetic feel to all the possibilities when you know how to swim from listening to “clinking waves” to floating on your back “watching treetops drift by.”

Nervous Nigel by Bethany Christou is the story of learning to face your fears and having the courage to express them to others.⁣ Nigel loves to swim and he comes from a long line of champions. But, Nigel doesn’t love swimming competitions. It brings him very little joy and a lot of anxiety. And, Nigel doesn’t want to disappoint his family.⁣ Will Nigel find the courage to be true to himself and tell his family how he feels and the decision he has made?⁣

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Lottie & Walter by Anna Walker is the story of a little girl who fears there are sharks in the swimming pool. But, she summons her courage to face the fear.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever jumped into a pool while shouting, “Cannonball!” Cannonball by Sacha Cotter is full of summer splashing fun.⁣ Everyone has advice for executing the best cannonball into the water. But, when it comes down to it, the best advice is to trust your inner voice and make your own unique splash.⁣ There is even a glossary to explain all the dives. Do you know what a staple dive is? How about a knee-lock dive?⁣

Bubbles…Up! by Jacqueline Davies is the story of fun and play at the pool until the thunder arrives. ⁣But, after a brief interruption, pool time continues. ⁣Let the bubbly play resume.⁣
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And, I have three fun hands-on early literacy activities you can do after enjoying the book.⁣—> Bubbles…Up! Book Activities

I’ve loved this book and have read it countless times.⁣ Nothing says summer like the pool. ⁣Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is the story of a little boy finding the courage to take his first jump off the diving board. ⁣His supportive family helps him find the moment that is just right for him.⁣

And, don’t miss these Jabari Jumps activities.—> Jabari Jumps Book Activities

Trying something new can be scary.⁣ In Saturday is Swimming Day by Hyewon Yum, we meet a little girl who is not very eager to start her swimming lessons.⁣ In fact, her head hurts and her tummy aches. In the first lesson, she totally stays on the sidelines. ⁣ But, class by class, she summons the courage to take that next little step and eventually, she’s floating, splashing, and enjoying herself in the water.⁣

The Mermaid with No Tail by Jessica Long is the story of a mermaid with no tail. Even though she is made fun of for not having a tail, she decides to compete in the Mermaid Games. With the support of her adoptive parents, friends, and coach she trains and wins.

A science teacher takes a group of children playing in a Maui ditch all the way to the Olympics.⁣Turns out a little science, creativity, and determination can produce some amazing results.⁣ Check out Sakamoto’s Swim Club by Julie Abrey which is based on a true story.⁣

I love when books can inspire and inform at the same time. In this story, we meet Yusra Mardini, a Syrian refugee and Olympic athlete. Learn about her journey in Swimming Toward a Dream by Reem Faruqi.