I Learn Slowly, But Not Necessarily Bad / 我學得慢，不一定學不好

by Esther van den Berg

Children who start slowly can perform well once they have mastered the knack of learning! Inspiring children's unlimited potential sometimes only requires a nudge from an adult! The tadpoles in the small waterway have all become frogs, but Huber is not there yet, his little tail is still there. Mom thought, maybe it's time for the children to learn to swim! For the first time in a swimming class, Hubble felt a little scared. Fortunately, Coach Toad was not as scary as Hubble thought! But learning to swim is not an easy task. Huber is smaller than everyone, and he learns a bit slower than everyone else. But he didn't feel frustrated or wanted to give up...

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Humor

Hardcover

First published February 21, 2021

Reviews

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As cute as the cover suggests!!! 😍😍

Now that all the tadpoles in the pond have turned into little frogs, their mom decides that it is time for the kids to join…you guessed it… a swimming class! Soon the little froggies, under the watchful eye of Lifeguard Toad, learn floating, breaststroke, and even diving. Some get a grasp of it quickly, while our titular hero Hop gets stuck a couple of times. But all’s well that ends well! And this book certainly ends well, with a giant splash of excitement!

I simply adored everything about this picture book. Right from the textual content, the vocabulary level, the illustrations, the story progression – everything was 10/10. There are some onomatopoeic words such as ‘splashing’ which give a great scope for fun during readalouds.

The story by itself is charming. But what takes it to a whole new level of scrumptiousness is the illustrations – they are oh-so-cuuuttteeee! 😍😍 The little green froggies with their bright orange floaties, Lifeguard Toad with his orange whistle dangling around his neck, the background of the pond, the various other pond creatures… I could go on and on. The vibrant watercolours match the feel and flow of the content perfectly. Furthermore, there are some things that aren’t detailed out in the text but happen in the illustrations. So don’t forget to check out the drawings on each page thoroughly before turning it over.

Heartily recommended for every little swimmer and wanna-be swimmer, and maybe even to those scared of stepping into the pool. You won’t find a more charming picture book than this one! I picked it up only because of the cover, and I am so glad I did!

The book will work perfectly for 2-8 year olds.

5 stars.

My thanks to Clavis Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “Hop at Swimming Class”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.



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[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hop at Swimming Class
By Esther Van Den Berg
This is a darling little book for kids that has a tadpole in transition learning to swim with peers. It's a cute little book with terrific colorful pictures that just makes a person smile just by looking at the fun image! I have no doubt that kids will want this book read to them over and over just to see the pictures!
This was a book I requested and received from NetGalley and I thank them and the publisher for letting me read this sweet book!

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Hopat Swimming Class is an adorable picture book about a little frog called Hop. Hop and his siblings have almost all lost their tadpole tails so mummy frog decides they are ready to start learning how to swim. A Toad teaches them all aspects of swimming and Hop is so excited and eager to learn, even though he doesn't always get it right and learns in his own way. In the end Hop outshines all the others and makes the best dive of the day.
The illustrations in this book ate the absolute cutest! I loved the little floaties the frogs worse - so cute! This is a great book for any child learning to swim and shows that we don't all take to things perfectly, but having fun and trying, even if it's in your own unique way, you can achieve anything.

[Srivalli Hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hop, the teeny blue tadpole with a teenier tale, joins his brothers and sisters to learn swimming. He is the smallest of all and has a hard time learning how to swim properly. Hop learns despite the mishaps and surprises himself with an unexpected dive! He earns his swimming diploma while having loads of fun. So what if he didn’t become an expert swimmer? He can swim and enjoy it.

The book is for little swimmers aged 4 and up. The writing suits them perfectly. Different swimming styles and mentioned and illustrated. Kids will feel less scared to swim (in case they are hesitant about getting into the water) after reading this one.

Now, the illustrations. My friend, Roshni, was 100% sure I would love the illustrations. She was spot on (obviously). The watercolor paintings are so vibrant, colorful, and full of life. The detailing is amazing. Hop is easy to identify in blue, while the rest of the frogs are green. The floaties, flowers, and ladybugs are so cute! Hop’s expressions are perfect in every scene.

To sum up, Hop at Swimming Class is a super cute book for kiddos and adults. You are never too old to read about frogs learning to swim. ;)

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Clavis Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

#clavispublishing #NetGalley

[madame Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

immense coup de cœur pour cette jolie histoire!

elle est celle d’Hop — le plus petit têtard de sa famille, qui suit ses premiers cours de natation avec ses frères et soeurs. Hop est mignon comme tout, lunatique et tellement adorable qu’il lui arrive toutes sortes de mésaventures qui le rendent absolument attachant. 🐸💚

les illustrations sont ma-gni-fiques et tout de cet album est superbe. j’ai déjà très hâte que mon Mini soit assez grand pour que je puisse le lui lire! 😍

une bien jolie découverte à faire 🤭📚

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn to swim with some of the cutest little frogs you've ever seen!

Hop and his classmates are put through their paces by the Toadguard, learning to float, swim through hoops underwater, and the all-important - swimming with clothes on.

The author's illustrations are ADORABLE, and should keep young readers and listeners busy with all the fun details.




This one's a winner!

Thanks to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for sharing this delightful book.

[samar_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ترجمة صديقتي🌟💓🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book! This is such a fun story about learning how to swim. Hop is an adorable little frog with an adventurous spirit. He sometimes doesn't get the lessons right, but has fun learning to swim in his own way.

The illustrations are bright and beautiful and the book's message to not give up is cheerful and fun. My son and I loved reading it.

Hop at Swimming Class will be released June 7, 2022.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ontmoet Hop, een klein kikkertje (nog bijna een kikkervisje) die leert zwemmen! Echt leuk geschreven~


Ik kon dit boek niet laten liggen in de bieb, deze moest gewoon mee. En toen kwam ik thuis achter het feit dat dit de illustrator/schrijfster is van Naar School/First Day of School, een boek dat ik echt heel heel mooi vond en waar ik enorm van heb genoten. Tja, toen was ik nog enthousiaster over het boek.

In dit schattige boek gaan de kikkertjes leren zwemmen! We volgen alle kikkertjes maar vooral Hop, een blauw/groen kikkertje met nog een staartje op hun eerste zwemlessen en de lessen die daar op volgen. Van verschillende zwemvormen tot zwemmen met en zonder bandjes, tot duiken. Van alles komt voorbij en ik vond het heerlijk om te lezen. Deed me weer denken aan mijn zwemlessen van toen ik klein was. Al ben ik blij dat er geen slakken werden gebruikt als het even niet goed ging. XD Ik vond het ook leuk om te zien wat Hop allemaal deed. Ja, hij was bezig met zwemmen maar hij werd ook enorm afgeleidt door van alles en nog wat. Zo’n beetje wat met mij zou gebeuren. Ohhh vlinder! Ohhh, glimmende steen! XD

Ik vond het leuk om te zien hoe de kikkertjes steeds beter werden en en het einde maakte me helemaal blij. Wat leuk dat de leraar persoonlijke diploma’s heeft gemaakt!

De illustraties waren werkelijk weer prachtig. Echt, ik zou zo een aantal van de platen in mijn huis willen hangen. Zoveel details, zoveel kleur, zoveel te zien!

Ik denk dat dit een geweldig kado is voor kindjes die afzwemmen of binnenkort gaan zwemmen!

Recensie ook gepost op https://boekeneiland.nl/

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hop is the smallest sibling in the frog family. He still has his tail, but is always ready to try. Mother frog wants her children to learn to swim like frogs, so they go for lessons. Hop is not as good as his siblings, but he never gives up. When it is time to jump off the diving board, Hop realizes a bit too late that he might be gong higher than he thought. This is a cute story about not giving up and to keep trying. Having a pool in my backyard, my grandchildren all had to learn to swim, so this was a cute story that we read about what things they learned, if it was hard, and if they had fun doing it. The illustrations are really cute and show great expression from fear to happiness. We liked that they all got a certificate when they passed, and all were treated the same, no matter who was the best. We enjoyed this book and read it a couple of times over the weekend when my granddaughter was with me.

[Kelly Green's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to receive a digital copy from NetGalley and Clavis Publishing to review.

A work of ART!! If the illustrations don’t catch a readers eye the story of personal growth and perseverance will. Each page is chalk full of adorable images with details. I would encourage readers to stop and take the time to look REALLY close. The illustrations are sure to please readers of all ages.

The storyline follows the main frog Hop, who is kind, curious and brave. Following Hop through his adventure with swimming lessons readers will learn how to handle new experience in life, and the many rewards that come along with new life opportunities.

Artful, growth mindset focused and absolutely adorable!!

[Jamie Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review.

Wow! This story about a little tadpole that is now big enough to learn how to swim was seriously the cutest and so relatable right now for our family.

The little tadpole tries his hardest and is not discouraged when he doesn't quite get all the moves right or is the fastest. However by shear luck when he jumped he was the highest and coolest jump.

As we currently have two kids learning how to swim right now it was fun seeing them relate to this story. My youngest (4) immediately noticed the back float and found it hilarious when blue found himself upside down. This little tadpole/frog reminded me so much of my 6 year old son. Where he tries his hardest but he's still learning the coordination, but what he is good at and loves is holding his breath underwater. Typically holding longer than anyone else.

The illustrations in this story is some of the best I have seen. Their bright, crazy super detailed with fun hidden gems. Such as a frog surfing on a fish which my youngest thought was hilarious and was her favorite thing. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that probably eases some issues young kids might have about going to their first swimming lessons, but feels more geared to providing simple, whimsical entertainment. And it does that, with the help of Hop – the least developed frog in the pond, being trained in staying afloat, treading water and all the rest. It feels like the lesson covers everything in less than an hour, but hey – there is zero level of threat here, even when the diving board joke turns up in all its glory, so you don't ever get the feeling Hop is at risk. Visually this is a delight, with lane dividers being made out of daisy chains, and a snail cropping up here, there and everywhere when least expected. A charming, amenable read - four and a half stars.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even frogs have some anxiety about taking swimming lessons. If this is the year that your child is taking swimming lessons, you might want to grab this book for a little encouragement. Will bright illustrations, Hop has a hard time getting some of strokes right. Your child will relate how Hop overcomes his clumsiness, anxiety, and gain confidence in swimming.

A special thank you to Clavis Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute picture book about a little frog who is starting swimming lessons. The illustrations and text are entertaining and are sure to keep young children interested. It is also a great book to teach about life cycles as the frogs are just transitioning out of being tadpoles. I think that parents of children just about to start swimming lessons would also find this book helpful as it can help ease some anxieties about the new activity added to the child's schedule each week. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children ages 3-8. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular. The artwork of this picture book is so well designed and painted that almost looks like a graphic novel. I loved that it is a swimming lesson story including diving, but with frogs and other animals. It's very well thought out and creative. Very fun too, with the interactions with other animals. I loved it.

Thank you Clavis Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read your titles and share my honest opinion.

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Clavis Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Oh my goodness this is such a precious book, I loved it from start to finish. The illustrations are amazing first off and I adored looking through them and know that they will draw children in instantly with how beautiful they are. The story is really cute and engaging and had great development.

As the tadpoles have now turned to little frogs they must learn to swim, all but Hop lost their tails but that doesn’t stop him from joining in and learning to swim. The frogs all go on a fun swimming adventure learning all the different strokes and ways to swim safely and carefullly.

This was really precious and I know children are going to love this, it’s is also a great book for anyone that is going to be taking children for swimming lessons as it will give them a bit of an insight to what may happen in their classes.

This book is such a perfect picture book, with really cute characters, a great lesson, fun adventure and most importantly beautiful illustrations.

[Dotdala_reads (Sam R) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hop STOLE MY HEART! Teeny tiny froggo dude!

Beautiful, vibrant illustrations, & a short and sweet storyline that had you rooting for sweet Hop the whole time!

Perfect as a bedtime story, and a GREAT book to help a fearful or anxious new swimmer by following Hop as he works his way through swim class. Hop isn't perfect and he can't always keep up with the rest of the class BUT he tries and tries and eventually he is able to pass each obstacle - just at his own pace! He learns to dive, to float, and even to CANNONBALL- HOW FUN!!

Hop is THE MOST CHARMING amphibian pal in this delightful tale of bravery! I think a lot of kiddos will take to him and will enjoy watching his silly adventures in swim class and then channel his bravery if they struggle in their own.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Netgalley and the publisher for the DRC. I thoroughly hope to keep following him through MANY more stories as cute as this!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book! Such lovely and detailed illustrations. This book is HUGE! Like the shape of the book is BIG. Otherwise it's your regular picture book format. The story is about a little frog who is learning how to swim. Well, there are more frogs learning to swim too, but the story focuses more on Hop. Hop is a little frog who still has a little bit of a tadpole tail and they are not the best at swimming, but tries their best while also confronting their fears. I like how supporting the swimming coach is and how no one made fun of Hop. This would be a great book to read to anyone who is learning how to swim or is afraid of swimming. Hop didn't do everything perfectly on the first try or the second try. Sometimes it took many tries to accomplish the goal, even if it wasn't perfect and that's okay! I love the book's message a lot. Great book!

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, lovely book with a great message! Little Hop is ready to try swimming lessons. He's a little different from his peers, and needs a bit more coaching, but he's supported and encouraged by all around him and has a great time. He learns new things and finds ways to be brave, and leaves a little more confident and proud of what he's accomplished.

This would be an absolutely fantastic book for kids about to start swimming lessons. It gives them an idea of what to expect along with the excellent message that they don't have to be perfect or get everything right on the first try. The illustrations are tons of fun too, with lots of color and little details to notice.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover looked so cute that I had to read it. The illustrations in this book Continue to be sweet and colorful and really add to the story.
Hop is a young frog who needs to learn how to swim. So he has to go to swimming class with all the other little frogs. Hop doesn’t always get it right but finds ways to make it work. Plus he has fun while doing it wich is just as important.
I would absolutely recommend this if your kid is ready to go to swimming class. As a lot of the activities they do in the book ar things they probably will do in their class.

Arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was so cute!! I decided to read it b/c of the adorable cover art and I was NOT disappointed; the entire book is beautifully illustrated. The story is quite simple and therefore super accessible, the bits of onomatopoeia here and there will be super fun for family members or others reading aloud, and at the end of the day, this book makes swimming seem fun! I have a few work colleagues who are about to put their kids in swim class this summer, so when Hop at Swimming Class comes out, I'll probably buy one or two copies for their kids!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided by Clavis Publishing & Netgalley.

The cover art is what initially drew me into this book. The graphics inside the book are even better. There is so much to look at and it's so cute! The visual stimulation is engaging and the color scheme is pleasant. The word choices are delightful and the pacing is fun. Also it's good for kids because they might be going to swim classes currently or maybe they are scared or anxious to start swim class - this book is a great way to help ease their fears and connect directly with their life.

[Melanie Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hop at Swimming Class is an adorable children's picture book about a frog learning how to swim.
A heart warming tale which will resonate well with children anxious around swimming lessons- as my two children are.
The illustrations are stunning throughout the book, highly detailed and colourful making them perfect for little eyes and invoking conversations around the story.
I can't wait to add this one to our bookshelf.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

[Nic Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story with a wonderful message and beautiful illustrations! My son (5) also really enjoyed it, which is the important part. He laughed out loud at parts and requested we read it again immediately. Hop actually reminds me of him in many ways and it was nice to see that represented in a book. We will definitely be adding this to our collection when it is released.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for the ARC!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hop at Swimming Class is a lovely little story about a baby frog learning how to swim. The main character, Hop, takes longer than his siblings to learn the basics and then eventually outshines them all by "accidentally" executing a daring diving.

The illustrations really helped this story come to life. The story could have flowed better but overall, cute and well done .

[Kristen Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hop at Swimming Class!” is a very cute book with adorable characters!

A sincere thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for providing me a copy of “Hop at Swimming Class” in exchange for an honest review. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read this story and leave my review voluntarily.

[Louise Bélanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute and funny little frog called Hop goes to swimming class. The illustrations are lovely with lots of details not to be missed. Even though he's smaller than the other frogs, he didn't let that stop him and gave it his all. Such a nice message!

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Sonya Burroughs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little ones will love this story of how Little Hop learns to swim. The plot is interesting and readers will want to know what will happen next and if Little Hop will be successful in his quest to learn to swim. The illustrations are so pretty and sweet. Great little story for young readers.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really fun way to introduce kids to swimming lessons and what happens. I chose this book because my son will be starting swimming lessons soon and he loves animals. He loved the frogs and the silly things Hop did. He was laughing and enjoying the book the whole way through!