cover image Lets Go Swimming W MR Sillypan

Lets Go Swimming W MR Sillypan

Mary K. Brown, M. K. Brown. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $9.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-517-56185-0

Poor Mr. Sillypants! No sooner does he sign upat lastfor swimming lessons than all kinds of fears set in: ""I just hope I don't get water up my nose/ What if I go in over my head and sink like a rock?/ I hope I don't step on a fish.'' Well, much worse things are in store for Mr.and they really areSillypants. That night, after an enormous sandwich featuring ingredients that shouldn't even share the same refrigerator shelf, let alone a stomach, he decides that he's not going. Period. Then he dreams that he falls into a pond, turns into a fish, and is chased and almost devoured by dill-pickle fish. The ringing of his alarm clock brings him to his senses, and he bravely goes forth to face those swimming lessons: ``Well, Sillypants, I think everything is going to be all right,'' he tells his reflection in the mirror. And he's right. Zany, cartoony illustrations show Mr. Sillypants at his lowest ebb and in his moment of triumph (in silly trunks). This man doesn't aspire to the Olympicshe just wants to try. It's a lesson that will help children see the big accomplishments in simple tasks. (3-6)