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Swim, Jim!

Illustrated by Kaz Windness

About The Book

Jim the crocodile finds the courage to face his fear of swimming in this funny and charming debut picture book from Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor–winning author-illustrator Kaz Windness.

Jim the crocodile is scared of swimming—or rather, of sinking. His family’s swamp is just too deep, too dark, and too big. But maybe he could swim, if only there were a smaller swamp where he could try it on his own terms. Jim wiggle-waggles far and wide until he finds the perfect place.

With the help of some floaties and his sisters, Jim just might find the courage to face his fear and show everyone—including himself—that Jim can swim!

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Kaz Windness is the author-illustrator of picture books Swim, Jim! and Bitsy Bat, School Star, which received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and BookPage. She created the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, which received a starred review and is a Junior Library Guild selection, and the Level 1 Ready-to-Reads Cat vs. Vac and Go! Go! Dino!. Kaz is also the illustrator of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea by Andrew Hacket and the author of When You Love a Book, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz teaches illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and enjoys making deep-dish pizza. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and Boston terrier. Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.

About The Illustrator

Photo courtesy of the author

Kaz Windness is the author-illustrator of picture books Swim, Jim! and Bitsy Bat, School Star, which received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and BookPage. She created the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, which received a starred review and is a Junior Library Guild selection, and the Level 1 Ready-to-Reads Cat vs. Vac and Go! Go! Dino!. Kaz is also the illustrator of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea by Andrew Hacket and the author of When You Love a Book, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz teaches illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and enjoys making deep-dish pizza. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and Boston terrier. Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.

Why We Love It

“A crocodile dressed in floaties, a pool, and a splash of courage make this an irresistible, funny debut picture book! Readers will root for Jim as he faces his fears and has a blast learning to swim.”

—Catherine L, Editor, on Swim, Jim!

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (May 31, 2022)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534483446
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

"A comically confident children’s debut with a veteran’s sense of timing and character...with an admirably light touch and assured mixed-media art."

– Publishers Weekly

Awards and Honors

  • Colorado Book Awards Finalist

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Kaz Windness