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Benny Learns to Swim
It’s hot outside. Sam and Benny would really like
to cool off in the lake. But first Benny has to take swimming
lessons and pass his test. And that’s not easy for a dog . . .
A funny and an endearing story about the friendship
between a girl and her dog, and about how much fun it is to swim.
For animal lovers and little swimmers ages 4 and up.
to cool off in the lake. But first Benny has to take swimming
lessons and pass his test. And that’s not easy for a dog . . .
A funny and an endearing story about the friendship
between a girl and her dog, and about how much fun it is to swim.
For animal lovers and little swimmers ages 4 and up.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2020
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 16, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is really cute and made myself and my daughter giggle afew times at the humour in it. We enjoyed it so much we read it twice.
This is a great book for teaching a child about water safety and to encourage reluctant swimmers.
This book is really cute and made myself and my daughter giggle afew times at the humour in it. We enjoyed it so much we read it twice.
This is a great book for teaching a child about water safety and to encourage reluctant swimmers.
March 11, 2020
Very good book. With humor and a good story this book introduce the subject of learning how to swim, which can be use to talk about it with a child before going to, and all that while telling a entertaining story. Well done!
April 7, 2020
Benny Learns To Swim is an illustrated children’s hardcover book (ages 4 and up) by Dutch primary school teacher and children’s book author, Judith Koppens. On a hot day, Sam and her dog Benny are walking by the lake. Benny wants to go for a swim, but Sam stops him: he can’t go swimming without a Swim Certificate like Sam has! Sam takes Benny for lessons at the pool, and she tries to anticipate the coach’s objections, but there are two she hasn’t thought of….
Filled with charming illustrations, this is a delightful story starring a resourceful little girl who clearly cares for her little dog.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Clavis Publishing
Filled with charming illustrations, this is a delightful story starring a resourceful little girl who clearly cares for her little dog.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Clavis Publishing
March 14, 2020
This was a really cute story about a girl who feels as if her dog needs swimming lessons before being allowed to play in the lake. I really liked pacing and the illustration style. I also liked how it taught a lesson about learning the proper safety precautions before diving into a situation!
April 14, 2020
Benny Learns to Swim is an adorable children's book about a girl named Sam and her dog Benny. Sam won't let Benny swim in the lake until he has his swimming certificate like she does. But do dogs belong at swimming lessons? This is a fun story for young children. With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my digital copy of this book
March 19, 2020
Benny Learns to Swim is an adorable story that is sure to make your children laugh. The illustrations are beautiful, bright and inviting. As an adult, I enjoyed this friendship tale and I'm certain young kids will too.
As a speech-language pathologist, I look for ways picture books could be used to work on the speech/language goals of my students. Many pool/swimming supplies are shown in the pictures fostering expanding vocabulary by discussing the function of the items. This story could also be used to compare and contrast the pool and the little lake in the woods. Comparing and contrasting of dog swimmers vs. children swimmers could also be targeted along with a variety of wh- questions. Benny Learns to Swim could also be used to target articulation skills of the /s/ sound with frequent use of the character's name Sam and the word swim.
As a speech-language pathologist, I look for ways picture books could be used to work on the speech/language goals of my students. Many pool/swimming supplies are shown in the pictures fostering expanding vocabulary by discussing the function of the items. This story could also be used to compare and contrast the pool and the little lake in the woods. Comparing and contrasting of dog swimmers vs. children swimmers could also be targeted along with a variety of wh- questions. Benny Learns to Swim could also be used to target articulation skills of the /s/ sound with frequent use of the character's name Sam and the word swim.
April 21, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Clavis Publishing through NetGalley.
Sam and Benny are best friends. Sam won't let Benny swim in the lake because he hasn't passed swimming lessons. She takes him to the pool to learn like she did. The teacher tells her that dogs are born learning to swim so the two friends set off on new adventures at the lake.
Whimsical soft colored illustrations bring the story to life for younger readers.
Koppens captures the magic of children and pets. Readers will see the bond between Sam and Benny right away.
Love how she slips in water safety along with the adventure and fun.
Sam and Benny are best friends. Sam won't let Benny swim in the lake because he hasn't passed swimming lessons. She takes him to the pool to learn like she did. The teacher tells her that dogs are born learning to swim so the two friends set off on new adventures at the lake.
Whimsical soft colored illustrations bring the story to life for younger readers.
Koppens captures the magic of children and pets. Readers will see the bond between Sam and Benny right away.
Love how she slips in water safety along with the adventure and fun.
May 24, 2020
This book is just the cutest thing! It took me a hot second to realise that Benny is the dog and the human, Sam, wants to teach it how to swim. So sweet! This is perfect to read to young children, particularly those who are hesitant about entering the water! Wear bathers, listen to your teacher and DON’T bring a dog to the pool (insert laugh emoji here) hilarious! The illustrations are also adorable and perfect as well.
My sincerest thanks to Netgalley and Clavis Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for my review
5/5 stars
My sincerest thanks to Netgalley and Clavis Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for my review
5/5 stars
May 19, 2020
Sweet Story with Adorable Pictures
This is a simple well-illustrated story of a little girl who wants to take her dog for a swim at a local lake, but as she has taken swimming lessons and been certified, she believes her dog needs to take formal lessons and get certified, too, before he can take a swim. She determines that she must take him to the same place where she learned how to swim, but it is not as easy as it was for her. This part ends up to be quite amusing as she tries to figure out why the teacher won't let her and the dog stay in the swimming class. Finally, she learns that dogs have an innate ability to swim and don't need lessons. Then she and Benny enjoy a dip in the lake. I was amused that this little girl was so “rules and tools.” She was doing her best to follow them to the letter. The illustrations are sweet, and the friendship and trust between the little girl and the dog are readily apparent. I loved seeing her struggle to get him into swim trunks and a swim cap, and how she found those water wings for around his tummy… The book gently teaches lessons about doing what you can to help out a friend and how not all rules can be universally applied (even if one has the best intentions).
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is a simple well-illustrated story of a little girl who wants to take her dog for a swim at a local lake, but as she has taken swimming lessons and been certified, she believes her dog needs to take formal lessons and get certified, too, before he can take a swim. She determines that she must take him to the same place where she learned how to swim, but it is not as easy as it was for her. This part ends up to be quite amusing as she tries to figure out why the teacher won't let her and the dog stay in the swimming class. Finally, she learns that dogs have an innate ability to swim and don't need lessons. Then she and Benny enjoy a dip in the lake. I was amused that this little girl was so “rules and tools.” She was doing her best to follow them to the letter. The illustrations are sweet, and the friendship and trust between the little girl and the dog are readily apparent. I loved seeing her struggle to get him into swim trunks and a swim cap, and how she found those water wings for around his tummy… The book gently teaches lessons about doing what you can to help out a friend and how not all rules can be universally applied (even if one has the best intentions).
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
June 28, 2020
Thank you #NetGalley for the free review copy of #BennyLearnstoSwim!
Benny, Sam's dog, wants to go swimming in a nearby lake. Sam, a young conscientious girl, takes her dog to the pool so that he can take swimming lessons and receive his swimming certificate. After not understanding why her swim instructor will not allow Benny to participate, Sam learns that dogs innately know how to swim.
I initially requested this book because of the cute cover picturing two fun characters and the title that hinted at a fun summer read. In my role as a second grade teacher, I look for stories with a message to readers. I was hopeful that a "learning to swim story" would include a message about bravery or perseverance.
Although I was disappointed that this book did not meet my expectations, I did think it was a cute story that children will enjoy reading for pleasure. The characters are sweet and I think children will enjoy that silliness that comes with the realization that Benny always knew how to swim. The illustrations were detailed and engaging but easily could have benefited from more representation (There was a Black swimming instructor and one Black child in the swimming lessons). The reading level was appropriate for the topic and age.
Benny, Sam's dog, wants to go swimming in a nearby lake. Sam, a young conscientious girl, takes her dog to the pool so that he can take swimming lessons and receive his swimming certificate. After not understanding why her swim instructor will not allow Benny to participate, Sam learns that dogs innately know how to swim.
I initially requested this book because of the cute cover picturing two fun characters and the title that hinted at a fun summer read. In my role as a second grade teacher, I look for stories with a message to readers. I was hopeful that a "learning to swim story" would include a message about bravery or perseverance.
Although I was disappointed that this book did not meet my expectations, I did think it was a cute story that children will enjoy reading for pleasure. The characters are sweet and I think children will enjoy that silliness that comes with the realization that Benny always knew how to swim. The illustrations were detailed and engaging but easily could have benefited from more representation (There was a Black swimming instructor and one Black child in the swimming lessons). The reading level was appropriate for the topic and age.
April 24, 2020
Benny Learns to Swim is a cute story about a girl and her dog that needs to learn to swim. The cover is darling and the story line is pretty good. My kids and I enjoyed following along on the adventure as the little girl decides to take her dog to the local pool for swim lessons. However, as a parent I did find a few issues with the book. I didn't like that the girl's parents were no where to be seen throughout the entire book. This was odd to me. The child was alone around water and there was no parental supervision? As a parent... I find that troubling. Also, at the end of the story Sam learns that the dog has always known how to swim. They go back to the lake and he just runs and jumps in. It would be my hope that kids would not make the connection between themselves and the dog. If a child does not know how to swim, we don't encourage them to just run and jump in and try. It is a more cautious process. I feel like I may be reading too much into this, but at the same time I want to read books to my children that teach them about life and how to live it successfully. I think this book had a great premise, but it missed the mark in terms of delivery.
March 11, 2020
This didn't really work for me. A child takes her dog for a walk, but refuses to let it swim in the lake in the woods before it's been taken to the pool and got a swimming certificate. Funnily enough, the pool staff don't want the dog at their lessons. Now part of the book that results could have been a reassuring look at going to swimming class for the very young, but the book does nothing but prevent the lesson from happening, and thus bails from that motive. It all seems to hinge on the "joke" of the child deluded enough about dogs to think they need instruction, which again is mightily flawed – for one, it's not funny, and for another, the child spends so much time getting the mutt dressed for the pool while herself wearing outdoors T-shirt and shorts, and nothing at all similar to what the other kids are wearing. All it seems to have, then, is an almost anecdotal whimsy of a child not realising her dog can have fun in the water, the end. It looks fine, but it really could have been better.
May 8, 2020
Description from NetGalley and Clavis Publishing...
“It’s hot outside. Sam and Benny would really like to cool off in the lake. But first Benny has to take swimming lessons and pass his test. And that’s not easy for a dog . . .
A funny and an endearing story about the friendship between a girl and her dog, and about how much fun it is to swim. For animal lovers and little swimmers ages 4 and up.”
Thank you to @NetGalley, @clavispublishing for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
My thoughts...
This was originally published as “Sam en Bennie en het zwemdiploma” in Belgium and Holland. Translated from Dutch to English. A story about a girl, who thought her dog needed swimming lessons before he could swim in the lake, because that’s what she had to do. It’s a sweet book that can help parents talk to their kids about swimming and to teach them “safety first.” I really like the style of drawing in this book. It’s such a lovable story of friendship, with the theme of swimming safety.
“It’s hot outside. Sam and Benny would really like to cool off in the lake. But first Benny has to take swimming lessons and pass his test. And that’s not easy for a dog . . .
A funny and an endearing story about the friendship between a girl and her dog, and about how much fun it is to swim. For animal lovers and little swimmers ages 4 and up.”
Thank you to @NetGalley, @clavispublishing for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
My thoughts...
This was originally published as “Sam en Bennie en het zwemdiploma” in Belgium and Holland. Translated from Dutch to English. A story about a girl, who thought her dog needed swimming lessons before he could swim in the lake, because that’s what she had to do. It’s a sweet book that can help parents talk to their kids about swimming and to teach them “safety first.” I really like the style of drawing in this book. It’s such a lovable story of friendship, with the theme of swimming safety.
March 30, 2020
Sam is a cute little girl with wild and crazy hair, and Benny is a blue dog with a mustache. When Benny tries to jump in the lake on a hot day, Sam thinks he needs swimming lessons first. Every time she takes him to the pool for lessons, however, the instructor sends her and Benny away since pools are not for dogs. Eventually, he tells her that dogs don't need swimming lessons, since they can swim "from the day they are born". This makes both Sam and Benny happy and they go back to the lake. Cute, colorful pictures, complete with little birds and squirrels.
P.S. Actually, all dogs can't swim, such as those with flat noses--bulldogs, pugs, etc. You might want to inform your child of that, since what the story says is not true. Bulldogs apparently can quickly drown.
(Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
P.S. Actually, all dogs can't swim, such as those with flat noses--bulldogs, pugs, etc. You might want to inform your child of that, since what the story says is not true. Bulldogs apparently can quickly drown.
(Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
August 30, 2020
An endearing story about a little girl named Sam and her dog Benny. Benny wants to jump in the lake, but Sam won't let him- he needs to learn to swim first! She just got her swim certificate that shows she completed swimming lessons, but Benny doesn't have one, and she wants to be sure he's safe. She takes him to the pool to get lessons, but the instructor won't allow Benny to get in the pool. In increasingly funny misunderstandings, Sam finally learns what the reader has known all along (or has likely known, anyway)- dogs know how to swim already. The story is sweet and silly, with adorable artwork. Great fun!
#BennyLearnstoSwim #NetGalley
#BennyLearnstoSwim #NetGalley
March 31, 2020
On the surface, this book is about a girl and her dog. Dig a little deeper, and I think we have a book about a little girl who loves to follow the rules. Sam can see that her beloved dog and best friend, Benny, wants to swim in the lake more than anything. Before he can do that, Benny MUST pass his swimming lessons. Why? Because Sam had to. Those are the rules. This is a charming little book that teaches the importance of following the rules and also doing whatever you can to help your best friend fulfill their dreams.
March 28, 2020
This sweet and funny story is about Benny and Sam, a hot day and swimming. Benny is the pup who wants to swim while responsible Sam feels that Benny needs to take lessons before jumping into the pond. What will happen? Young listeners will enjoy finding out and, as a bonus, will see that swimming can be fun!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
#BennyLearnstoSwim #NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
#BennyLearnstoSwim #NetGalley
March 29, 2020
I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and Clavis Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This book is so cute! Sam has taken swimming lessons and passed the test and now thinks her dog Benny needs to take them as well before he can swim in the lake by the house; Sam just wants Benny to be safe. This book is just a really fun read, loved it.
#BennyLearnstoSwim #NetGalley
This book is so cute! Sam has taken swimming lessons and passed the test and now thinks her dog Benny needs to take them as well before he can swim in the lake by the house; Sam just wants Benny to be safe. This book is just a really fun read, loved it.
#BennyLearnstoSwim #NetGalley
March 21, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute book about a little girl who wants her do to learn how to swim. She takes the dog for lessons and can't understand why he isn't included. It's a short little story with fun pictures. I enjoyed it.
This was a cute book about a little girl who wants her do to learn how to swim. She takes the dog for lessons and can't understand why he isn't included. It's a short little story with fun pictures. I enjoyed it.
March 11, 2020
I read this book with my almost 3 year old and she loved it! She wanted me to keep reading it again and again. She loves to swim and takes lessons. It was a cute little book for kids.
Want to Read
June 11, 2020Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 29, 2020
Sam and her dog Benny go to the lake and when Benny wants to swim, she takes for a swimming lessons. Did he pass the test? Does he even need to pass the test? are answered in the book.
The illustrations were good.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
The illustrations were good.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
April 24, 2020
This story reads like a long early reader. The plot is extremely quick and there really isn’t much depth. The illustrations were very complimentary to the characters and what little action there was.
Read from a Netgalley copy.
Read from a Netgalley copy.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews