Sacramento Parent recommends Luca
The only illustrated children’s book aimed at helping families prepare for swim lessons, Luca Learns to Swim allows parents plenty of chances to encourage and reassure their children, long before that first lesson. Author Barry Shrewsbury has been teaching children how to swim and how to be pool-safe for over 16 years.
http://www.sacramentoparent.com/In_This_Issue/08%2005/Help%20for%20Timid%20Swimmers.htm
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cincinnatiparent.com
Luca Learns to Swim: A Family's Companion to Swim Lessons
Description: What parent hasn't worried about their child's first swimming experience? While some are natural fish in the water, others are stubborn landlubbers who live in fear of the deep end of the pool. California dad, middle school teacher and private swim instructor Barry Shrewsbury has come up with a book that gently introduces youngsters between 3 and 6 years old to the fun of swimming. Four-year-old Luca is the main character in Shrewsbury's artfully illustrated story (thanks to Kat Drayton) that is encouraging and realistic. Luca's fears are addressed and he meets a supporting cast of helpful characters, including his family and a swim teacher who teaches him proper techniques and pool safety. An excellent first read for youngsters preparing for summer swim season---and a great refresher for nervous parents, too. Also available at major retailers.
http://www.cincinnatiparent.com/1homebody.lasso
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amazon.com
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
A Useful and Charming Guide, January 5, 2008
By Elliott Marx "Elliott Marx" (Northridge, CA United States)
This smartly written and lushly illustrated book is a genuine winner. Luca is a book for parents and children who are just getting their toes wet (ha ha)by beginning swimming lessons. The drawings are beautiful; crisp and detailed. While the text is written to allay much of the anxiety little ones have in the water. There aren't any other books like this one. A truly lovely book for the whole family.
Well received by 2 young friends, August 6, 2007
By Ron Manganiello (Vermont, USA)
I read this charming, encouraging book to two unrelated neighbors - a 5 year old girl and a 7 year old boy. Before we put the book down, both children said that they wanted to take swimming lessons! The art work is delightful and the message is positive and easy to digest. I highly recommend this book to relatives and friends of young children.
Encouraging book for anxious learners, July 24, 2007
By Monique Baker (Newbury Park, CA) - See all my reviews
Our 4-year old son loves this book. It mirrors a lot of what he went through when he was learning to swim. It gives positive reinforcement and encouragement to children if they are anxious about swimming. The pictures are beautifully drawn.
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Barnes and Nobles
A Vital Aid for Every Parent
Tom Buckner, A reviewer, 08/19/2007
Years ago, while a swimmer and lifeguard, I taught a few tiny tots to swim, too, and from that background I highly recommend this book as a sound, practical resource for all parents in helping them motivate their youngsters to learn, and especially in easing those initial jitters. It is a delightful book, one kids will enjoy having read to them it is well-written, nicely illustrated, touching on both technique and emotions, and reflecting the author's good insights and sensitivity. His 'tips for parents' section at the end is a thoughtful and valuable addition.
A delightful read
Ron Manganiello, A reviewer, 08/07/2007
I read this charming, encouraging book to two unrelated neighbors - a 5 year old girl and a 7 year old boy. Before we put the book down, both children said that they wanted to take swimming lessons! The art work is delightful and the message is positive and easy to digest. I highly recommend this book to relatives and friends of young children.
This book helped my son quite a bit.
A reviewer, A reviewer, 07/31/2007
tHIS BOOK WAS WONDERFUL!!!!!!My son had issues with learning how to swim and this book helped him greatly.
Really helped us as a family
Nina Powell, a Massage Therapist, 07/19/2007
This book was exactly what we needed to help our son with his swim lessons. He was a bit tentative and I feel the book helped him feel more comfortable and connected to his lessons. I also really appreciated having a tool to help him with his process. Well written! Nicely illustrated! Very enjoyable!
The only illustrated children’s book aimed at helping families prepare for swim lessons, Luca Learns to Swim allows parents plenty of chances to encourage and reassure their children, long before that first lesson. Author Barry Shrewsbury has been teaching children how to swim and how to be pool-safe for over 16 years.
http://www.sacramentoparent.com/In_This_Issue/08%2005/Help%20for%20Timid%20Swimmers.htm
_____________________________________________________________________
cincinnatiparent.com
Luca Learns to Swim: A Family's Companion to Swim Lessons
Description: What parent hasn't worried about their child's first swimming experience? While some are natural fish in the water, others are stubborn landlubbers who live in fear of the deep end of the pool. California dad, middle school teacher and private swim instructor Barry Shrewsbury has come up with a book that gently introduces youngsters between 3 and 6 years old to the fun of swimming. Four-year-old Luca is the main character in Shrewsbury's artfully illustrated story (thanks to Kat Drayton) that is encouraging and realistic. Luca's fears are addressed and he meets a supporting cast of helpful characters, including his family and a swim teacher who teaches him proper techniques and pool safety. An excellent first read for youngsters preparing for summer swim season---and a great refresher for nervous parents, too. Also available at major retailers.
http://www.cincinnatiparent.com/1homebody.lasso
_____________________________________________________________________
amazon.com
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
A Useful and Charming Guide, January 5, 2008
By Elliott Marx "Elliott Marx" (Northridge, CA United States)
This smartly written and lushly illustrated book is a genuine winner. Luca is a book for parents and children who are just getting their toes wet (ha ha)by beginning swimming lessons. The drawings are beautiful; crisp and detailed. While the text is written to allay much of the anxiety little ones have in the water. There aren't any other books like this one. A truly lovely book for the whole family.
Well received by 2 young friends, August 6, 2007
By Ron Manganiello (Vermont, USA)
I read this charming, encouraging book to two unrelated neighbors - a 5 year old girl and a 7 year old boy. Before we put the book down, both children said that they wanted to take swimming lessons! The art work is delightful and the message is positive and easy to digest. I highly recommend this book to relatives and friends of young children.
Encouraging book for anxious learners, July 24, 2007
By Monique Baker (Newbury Park, CA) - See all my reviews
Our 4-year old son loves this book. It mirrors a lot of what he went through when he was learning to swim. It gives positive reinforcement and encouragement to children if they are anxious about swimming. The pictures are beautifully drawn.
_____________________________________________________________________
Barnes and Nobles
A Vital Aid for Every Parent
Tom Buckner, A reviewer, 08/19/2007
Years ago, while a swimmer and lifeguard, I taught a few tiny tots to swim, too, and from that background I highly recommend this book as a sound, practical resource for all parents in helping them motivate their youngsters to learn, and especially in easing those initial jitters. It is a delightful book, one kids will enjoy having read to them it is well-written, nicely illustrated, touching on both technique and emotions, and reflecting the author's good insights and sensitivity. His 'tips for parents' section at the end is a thoughtful and valuable addition.
A delightful read
Ron Manganiello, A reviewer, 08/07/2007
I read this charming, encouraging book to two unrelated neighbors - a 5 year old girl and a 7 year old boy. Before we put the book down, both children said that they wanted to take swimming lessons! The art work is delightful and the message is positive and easy to digest. I highly recommend this book to relatives and friends of young children.
This book helped my son quite a bit.
A reviewer, A reviewer, 07/31/2007
tHIS BOOK WAS WONDERFUL!!!!!!My son had issues with learning how to swim and this book helped him greatly.
Really helped us as a family
Nina Powell, a Massage Therapist, 07/19/2007
This book was exactly what we needed to help our son with his swim lessons. He was a bit tentative and I feel the book helped him feel more comfortable and connected to his lessons. I also really appreciated having a tool to help him with his process. Well written! Nicely illustrated! Very enjoyable!