No Swimming for Nelly

Again demonstrating his flair for creating endearing animal characters, Gorbachev (Pizza-Pie Snowman) gives a perennial picture-book motif a sweet tweak in this story starring an obstinate piglet. Tickled when her mother buys her a swimsuit--a polka-dotted, skirted number with puffy bloomers--Nelly beams with approval as she models it in front of the mirror. Her variable facial expressions comically convey her mood swings; smiling widely, she prances onto the beach, but she comes to a sudden halt at the water's edge, announcing, "No swimming for me." Gorbachev's loose, pen-and-ink and watercolor pictures provide a high-spirited contrast between Nelly's disdain for swimming and her fondness for her suit, which she wears for all occasions, day (biking, playing basketball) and night (dining at a fancy restaurant, sleeping). The story gains an additional dimension when Nelly and her mother visit Grandma, who has a collection of swimming trophies and knows just how to convince Nelly to put her new garment to proper use. This is a gentle, winsome tale about the rewards of well-placed trust and braving the unknown. Ages 4-8. (June)

PreS-Gr 1--A sweet story about taking responsible risks under the guidance of a trusted adult. Nelly, a little pig, receives a swimsuit as a gift from her mother and she adores it! She loves the way she looks and insists on wearing it everywhere, for every activity, except the one for which it is intended. Unfortunately, Nelly is afraid of swimming and absolutely refuses to try it. Then one day, the piglet and her mother go to visit Nelly's grandmother. Delightfully, Grandmother has a whole case of swimming trophies, and promises to teach Nelly to swim just like her. At first Nelly is unsure, but after watching her champion grandmother go, she reluctantly dips her toes in and eventually allows her grandmother to teach her. Nelly is a natural! While the story is about Nelly overcoming her fears, there is also the subtle message that we can learn much from the previous generations and their accomplishments. The illustrations in this book were created with pen, ink, and watercolor, creating a warm, splashy feel. VERDICT Readers will delight in Nelly's triumph. A recommended seasonal read-aloud and a solid purchase for any library collection.--Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh