Let's Go Swimming!

Otter

by Sam Garton

Otter learns how to swim.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Kids, Summer, Animals, Juvenile

32 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2017

About the author

I’m Sam, I’m 33 and I live in Wokingham! I have a degree in illustration and I spend most of my time drawing Otters whilst generally making a mess and thinking about why I still haven’t bought a kitten. I like putting inappropriate sweets in the freezer (Jelly tots) and my favourite film is Homeward bound. I wish I looked cool wearing headbands but I don’t. Oh and I’m rubbish at looking after house plants.

Reviews

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh no! I cannot stop reading. These Otter books are too adorable!

[Teresa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otter is off on another adventure. This time she heads to the beach for fun in the sun. Sand castles are fun. Playing ball is fun. But Otter isn't too sure about swimming. Once again Garton brings us another cute Otter story with his colorful illustrations. This book is made for beginner readers.

[Jimmy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband, knowing that I adore Otter, bought me this book as a gift. Another home run for him, and for Otter.

She's going to the seashore, and she's terribly excited, but she's a little afraid of swimming. (Actually, this is true to life: baby river otters have to be taught to swim by their mums, and baby sea otters are too buoyant to swim at first. None of them are too thrilled about taking the plunge initially.) So she comes up with typically otter excuses for not swimming. But we get through the day, and our fears, in a typically Otter way.

The book is illustrated with the charming illustrations that Otter lovers have come to expect: engaging, delightful, and just plain fun. Children who are learning to read will enjoy reading this book, since it's an "I Can Read" book... while adults will enjoy reading it aloud while sharing it with smaller children who can sound out words and look at the pictures. Fun for all.

[Shandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read any of the Otter books for beginning readers, but I was obviously missing out. Adorable illustrations, as always, and aside from being great for kids starting to read, I think it would also work well for preschool storytimes. A fun, easy read!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book encapsulates every swimming lesson with my toddler, except it leaves out the massive tantrum at the end when it's time to get out of the pool.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otter: Let’s Go Swimming! is the fourth My First I Can Read! Otter adventure by Sam Garton; originally conceived on the I Am Otter blog, Garton has created an adorable, funny character enjoyed by all ages. In this short adventure, Otter visits the beach for the first time along with her best friends Teddy and Giraffe and owner Otter Keeper. While at the beach, Otter must face her fears of the ocean after several comical attempts to avoid swimming. Targeting emergent readers in the My First Shared Reading format, Garton’s text is direct and simple featuring one or two short sentences per page, and, when accompanied by bright illustrations with little background imagery, the story’s details become relatable and easy to understand. Young readers may notice that Otter forgets her swimsuit when trying on her swimming equipment, and this consequently presents a great opportunity to discuss swimming attire, gear, and safety while at a beach or pool. This new addition to the Otter universe will not disappoint long-time fans and can also serve as an entry point for new readers. With the witty quips and adorable illustrations for which Otter stories have come to be known, Garton will entertain adult and child readers alike.

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's Go Swimming brings back all of Otter's charm from her propensity to ascribe her own fears and worries to her friend Giraffe and Teddy to her joy in the simple pleasures of life. A must read for Otter fans!

[Ella Zig · Rating 3 out of 5]

my child read this book on his own, if you are teaching your child to read and/ or your child is learning how to read this is a great shared reading book! Lots of sight words and a mini lesson to learn from at the end.

[Lenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story and beautifully illustrated as always :)

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite characters, Otter, is back. Otter and Otter keeper are off to the beach for swimming. Great depiction in this easy reader about being hesitant to actually get in the water and swim. Otter keeper like any good parent helps Otter to overcome the fear.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otter is excited to go to the beach, but is scared to go swimming so he makes a lot of excuses. The excuses work for a little while, but eventually Otter Keeper insists that Otter try swimming (with his help of course!)

Great series for beginning readers, recommended for K-3.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Otter- sweet otter... your made for the water. Don't be afraid sweetheart. You got this!

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspend your disbelief, Adult Goodreaders. In this story, Otter learns how to swim. As though he weren't born knowing that.

Hey, let's face it. In this series of books Otter is written more like a human toddler. Witness his lovey, a much-worn, much-loved teddy bear.

NOT ONLY DOESN'T OTTER KNOW HOW TO SWIM YET. UH-OH

Turns out, he's scared of the sea. Otter keeps making excuses for not dipping his paws into the water.

I find this stalling aspect delightful of the story delightful: By the time these young readers are developing their reading skills; most likely, all these readers have also developed enough self-awareness to recognize STALLING.

IN CONCLUSION

Of course, there's a happy ending. Far be it from me to reveal a spoiler, no no! However, what kind of happy ending do you think there could be, Goodreaders? Here's an Otter who has gone to the beach to learn how to swim... yet he hasn't yet discovered that swimming can be fun. Hmmmmm.

FIVE STARS for a sweet-and-fresh story. It's so well adapted to the open hearts of these early readers. Sam Garton has done a superb job yet again, as author and also as artist.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otter is excited to go to the beach and go swimming, but when he gets there, he keeps finding excuses for not getting into the water: Giraffe is scared of fish and Teddy doesn’t like getting wet. But with patience, Otter Keeper is able to coax Otter into the water. And Otter discovers that he LOVES swimming.

Cute.

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of word repetition and very short sentences would make this a good choice for kids learning to read. The illustrations of Otter are adorable. Yes, it is a little stranger than an Otter would be afraid of the water but I don't think it will bother most kids.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otter is afraid to try swimming for the first time. He discovers that things aren't really that scary after you try them.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for otter who wants to go to the beach but isn't too sure about swimming

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love it soo much i would read it again.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otter Keeper is taking Otter swimming, but when they get to the beach Otter keeps finding other things to do. Otter Keeper encourages Otter to not be afraid of the water. Sweet illustrations.