The Swimming Hole

Good Dog #5

by Cam Higgins, Ariel Landy (Illustrator)

In the charming fifth book of the Good Dog series, Bo learns to swim with his family!

One hot summer day, Bo and his family decide to cool off. They take Bo to a swimming hole on their farm. But Bo hasn’t gone swimming before. Can he learn how in time to join in on the fun?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Good Dog chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Genres: Chapter Books, Childrens, Middle Grade, Animals, Dogs

128 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2021

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS I waffle between three and four stars on these books. They are really cute, the "voice" of the dog narrator feels pretty realistic, and the illustrations are fun. I don't love the antagonistic barn cats, though -- they remind me too much of the nasty cats from Lady and the Tramp. As a cat lover and, I don't like perpetuating that stereotype that dogs are fun loving and awesome and cats are snooty and be nasty, especially in a book for kids -- I get the need for an antagonist, it would be nice if maybe there was a pleasant cat somewhere along the way ;-) That said, the overarching message here is a nice one of friendship and perseverance and I can see it being very helpful for a young reader struggling with learning to swim and there's a nice summer ambiance.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter loves this sweet series. Bo and his family are going to a swimming hole. But Bo can't seem to learn how to swim. Cute plot and characters.

[Beth Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud to my younger 3 kids. We loved this newest installment in the Good Dog series. These books are told from the perspective of a dog as he interacts with his human family, his best dog friend, and other animals who live on his farm. They are really sweet and I loved the swimming aspect of this one - really relatable for kids who are nervous to try something new. The barn cats are still jerks and I could do without them, but the squirrel storyline is really cute in this one.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bo learns to overcome his fear - in order to save a pesky squirrel? Even Bo doesn’t understand why he’s trying to save a squirrel but that’s what makes him the Good Dog. With help from his best friend Scrapper he learns to swim and has a great time. Another great read with adorable illustrations on each page!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6 yo daughter is in love with this series. I can’t blame her. Bo is an adorable pup who learns a little lesson in each story. The kids are sweet, the parents are kind, and scrapper is a good friend. I also love that she’s able to read these on her own!

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, Nanny Sheep helps talk a baby goat down from a tree. This is thematic, I guess, because Bo needs to learn to swim. On a hot summer day, Bo's family walks to the local swimming hole where they play and have a picnic, and Bo chases a squirrel and learns to swim.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed reading this series to my youngest boys, and my 8yo likes reading them himself. Sweet storylines with a lesson or two sprinkled in.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Animal lovers, dog lovers in particular will love this story and this series. There is some tricky vocabulary so don't be fooled by the 5-9 age range, it is definitely meant for 4th graders.

[PottWab Regional Library]

A

[Danica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent series for emerging readers!

[Caledon Kwok · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. I liked the part when Bo learned to swim.

[Nicci Bullock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miss 8- I think there could have been more detail. It didn't get me as excited as the other books I have read in this series. I am still proud of Bo.