Synopsis
Olvina the plucky chicken is back for another adventure!
Olvina can swim about as well as she can fly, but her reluctance to swim hasn't been a problem until she's on vacation in Hawaii with her friend Hailey. Will Olvina let her fear of the water spoil her fun? Not with Hailey on the job.
Children (as well as chickens) may find learning to swim a daunting challenge. This reassuring story shows that with a little courage, lots of practice, and the help of a good friend, one can accomplish just about anything.
Rachel G. PayneCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information. - School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2
The story picks up where Olvina Flies (Holt, 2003) leaves off, with the fearful chicken and her penguin friend in Hawaii. Hailey encourages her pal to overcome her fear of the water in stages, first in the bathtub, then in the pool, and finally in the ocean. In the end, Olvina learns to enjoy the water and appreciate a helpful friend. Lin's straightforward story will reassure nervous young swimmers. Both the text and art include whimsical moments and images, such as the ocean-dwelling fish sporting top hats and caps. The full- and half-page spreads, executed in gouache, feature delightful patterned borders and fabric designs in sunny colors. Pair this with Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz's Froggy Learns to Swim (Viking, 1995) for a storytime that youngsters can dive into.