I Will Swim Next Time

3.5

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User Photos (1)

Author(s)

Emily Joof

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Matilda Ruta

Publisher Name

Floris Books

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

August 01, 2023

ISBN13

978-1782508298

ISBN10 or ASIN

"When we went to a beach,
my tummy felt tight.
but it still felt wrong inside.

Definitely... possibly... Perhaps I'd swim – next time."

At first the big blue sea makes them feel small and scared. Then the child visits a lake and a river, and their fear of water gradually starts to ebb as curiosity begins to flow.

A wonderful book for any child who is feeling nervous about new experiences, with lyrical words by Emily Joof and bold, dynamic illustrations by Matilda Ruta.

Editor review

1 review

Gentle and Sweet

August 03, 2023 (Updated: June 08, 2026)

Overall rating

3.5

Plot

4.0

Characters

3.0

Writing Style

3.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

I Will Swim Next Time is about a young child who is afraid to swim and whose mother reassures them that they will know when they are ready to try. The ocean is big and scary Eventually, they do try to swim and love it.

What I Liked: The message of listening to your body and not being pressured to try something if you don't feel ready is so important and is presented in a way that is easy to understand. The illustrator uses ink and watercolors to create stunning illustrations.

What Left Me Wanting More: Mostly written in verse, there are some pages that seem choppy and don't flow smoothly.

I Will Swim Next Time is a beautifully written story that will appeal to timid swimmers.