Swimmy
Lionni, L.
(1963). Swimmy. New Your, NY: Alfred A. Knopf
Interest
Level: Preschool – 2nd Grade
Reading
Level: 3.5 (Third Grade-Fifth Month)
Theme: Being
Unique & Cooperation/ Teamwork
Genre:
Fiction
Awards:
Caldecott Honor
Summary:
This is a
precious tale about a little fish named Swimmy. Swimmy is the only black fish
amongst his brother and sisters who are all red. One terrible day, a giant and fierce tuna
fish gulps his entire family and leaves Swimmy alone in the deep and vast
ocean. Swimmy, sad, but always the optimist, swims along marveling at all the
wonders of the sea. At long last, Swimmy finds a school of fish, just like his
own. With great excitement he invites his new friends to play, but considering
the dangers that lurk in the deep waters the school of fish are hesitant to
join him. Swimmy must think of a plan or risk losing his new found friends.
This is my
second time reading a Leo Lionni book and I must say that I am becoming a loyal
fan! Lionni has a magical way of sharing the importance of cooperation and
acceptance. His writing style is delightful; such as these poetic lines: a
lobster, who walked about like a water-moving machine… to the strange fish, pulled by an invisible thread…
to an eel whose tail was almost too far
away to remember… these words captivate the reader and draw their eyes to
the illustrations. Lionni’s use of color and value is brilliant! The
illustrations come to life in such a textural way. One cannot help but reach
out in the hopes of touching the forest
of seaweed or the medusa made of
rainbow jelly; they truly convey a sense of reality.
1.
How did
Swimmy feel when he escaped from the fierce tuna fish?
2. Why do you
think Swimmy offered to be the eye of the fish?
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