Swim, Jim by Kaz Windness

 This debut picture book delivers a fun message with a lot of silliness.

When three young crocodiles hatch, the two girls, Kim and Sim, take to the swamp right away - not so Jim. As he explains, he's not scared of swimming - he's scared of sinking! His sisters' teasing drives him to set out in search of a smaller, more comfortable swamp to learn in and he finds just the thing in a backyard. But will he be brave enough to try, especially when his sisters show up?

Goofy illustrations show a family of crocodiles with a range of body types, two caring parents, and sisters who turn out not to be so mean after all. The children shown at a swim party in the backyard show a diversity of races and skin tones. Jim's swamp actually looks pretty clean, so readers may not get why he thinks it's too dark and dank to swim in, but they'll certainly understand the nervousness and fear of trying something new. Windness includes some crocodile facts at the back of the book.

I did think Sim and Kim's initial teasing was cruel and Jim's parents rather vague words about him learning when he's ready don't do anything to stop the girls from tormenting him. A little stronger message about not bullying people who are scared or learning something new could have been integrated into this story.

Verdict: The art is pleasant and attractive and, after the initial meanness, Jim's sisters work with him to overcome his fear and help him learn to swim. I wouldn't necessarily read this to a child who has a fear of swimming, especially the parts where they tease Jim, but for kids who have already learned and can look back on their own fears and worries and laugh, this would be a fun addition.

ISBN: 9781534483439; Published May 2022 by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library