Together We Swim

"Black family pride and joy abound."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review 
"Joy-filled."—Booklist, starred review 

A joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son’s relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child's first swimming lessons.
 

Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom’s steady arms there’s no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family’s cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.

Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. With lyrical rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Together We Swim is destined to become a family read-aloud favorite!

Valerie Bolling has been an educator for twenty-seven years. Valerie serves as the co-chair of the NESCBWI Equity and Inclusion Team and is a member of SCBWI, the Authors Guild, and NCTE. She lives in Stamford, CT.

Kaylani Juanita illustrates inclusive picture books, such as Ta-Da!, When Aiden Became a Brother, and Magnificent Homespun Brown, for which she received the 2021 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award. Her mission as an artist is to support the stories of the underrepresented and create new ways for people to imagine themselves. She currently lives in Fairfield, CA.

“Touching moments in the art pair well with the text. Black family pride and joy abound—this is a family that allows its little ones the space to make forays into independence while supporting them every step of the way. Warmly buoyant.” — Kirkus, starred review

“Bolling’s succinct, concise, yet seamless rhyming lines join with Juanita’s gorgeous artwork to illustrate a close-knit Black family’s joy-filled day at the pool.” — Booklist, starred review

Together We Swim is a 2023 Kirkus Prize Finalist

“This excellent read-aloud celebrates accomplishment and honors fear and a misstep or two.” — School Library Journal