Nothing says summer like hours spent at the swimming pool, where kids build confidence, make memories with friends, and come home happily exhausted. If your family is spending time at the pool this season, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite children’s books about swimming, pool adventures, and trying new things. Plus, we’re sharing the tried and true pool toys our kids reach for again and again to keep the fun going all summer long.
The books…
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is about trying new things and being brave. Jabari has passed his swim test and is ready to jump off the diving board for the first time…maybe. With the help of his Dad, he finds the courage to face his fears and will have your child considering what it would feel like for them to try something new they are nervous about.
Maisy Learns to Swim by Lucy Cousins follows some of our favorite characters through their first swim lesson. With simple text and vibrant pictures this book is perfect for younger swimmers or any children getting ready to start swim lessons.
Cannonball by Sacha Cotter is a summertime classic. The story is about a young boy who wants to do a perfect cannonball. He is searching for just the right prejump ritual to make it happen. Only when he listens to himself and has fun does he make it happen. Bonus: this is a lovely celebration of native culture as well!
Bubbles Up by Jaqueline Davies is vibrant, captivating and just an all around fun summer read. The colorful illustrations and creative word placement sums up a day at the pool that every child can relate to with very few words. This is a fun book for the whole family to read over and over again!
Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins is another vibrant book with colorful pictures and text that not only describes up what a pool day looks like in the city, but what it sounds like too! This book builds the excitement of what a day at the pool entails from the walk there, to applying sunscreen, to jumping in.
Don’t forget the toys…
Water Bouncing Ball – a ball that skips and bounces across the top of the water! This has been a huge hit this summer!
Water Buckets – with small holes in the bottom, these provide endless fun of dumping, pouring and filling for younger and older children alike!
Swimming Fish – this battery operated fish really swims when placed in the water!
Water Blasters – while older kids will be sure to start a water fight with these, younger kids enjoy the process of filling them up and pushing the water out either on the side of the pool or into a bucket over and over again!
Floating, Squeezy Octopus – These are not only satisfying to squeeze because the water squirts out in a super fun way, but they float making them the perfect dive and retrieve toys for beginner swimmers!
Spot It! – The perfect card game to keep everyone busy during adult swims!
Written by Kathleen Koester and Becca Thiemann
If you found this blog post helpful, we are sure you’ll love these ones too…
1.) The Summer Slide is Real: But Doesn’t Have to be Scary
2.) Travel Toys that Actually Work
3.) Outdoor Toys Worth Your Money
…And if you are looking to get the best new books in your child’s hands this summer, check out my monthly love letter to young readers, Beloved Books.
