Bird Convention has ended and it’s time for vacation in Hawaii. Olvina, having overcome her fear of flying (Olvina Flies, 2003), tackles swimming with encouraging lessons from newfound convention friend Hailey. Not wanting to “be a chicken,” Olvina splashes right into the hotel bathtub, learns to blow bubbles underwater and graduates to the outdoor pool. Lin captures both the uncertainty and hesitation of a new swimmer gently coaxed and finally immersed in an aquatic world of exercise, relaxation and enjoyment. Her signature uncomplicated, outlined gouache paintings against marine blues depict an array of anthropomorphized animal hotel guests and a chicken’s childlike expressions of fear, doubt, hard work and ultimate pleasure. Most of all, Olvina learns “chickens can do anything” with good friends and a little work. A refreshing dive into a common anxiety with an uplifting message. (Picture book. 3-5)
