THE BOY WHO WOULDN’T SWIM

One hot summer an aquaphobic boy refuses to learn how to swim while his younger sister takes to the water like a fish. It’s so hot everyone except Eric Dooley has “prune toes” from standing in the pool. Eric’s family and neighbors cajole him to get into the pool, but he adamantly refuses. Even when his sister Jessica gets the swimming lessons meant for him, Eric’s fear eclipses his jealousy. When Jessica swims across the deepest part of the pool, Eric feigns indifference, but under his sun block he’s “green with envy.” While Eric freckles and swelters poolside, Jessica dives like a porpoise. But after a quick wade in the baby pool to cool his ankles, a transformed Eric realizes he’s no baby and takes that important first step into the big pool. Humorous gouache illustrations zero in on the unhappy Eric baking in isolation beside an azure pool packed with people. A perfect remedy for kids fighting fears—especially those afraid to tackle the deep end. (Picture book. 4-8)