A DIVE INTO THE BLUE
By: Ellie Huynh
Illustrated by: Bao Luu
Published: May 23, 2023
Publisher: Beaming Books
Fiction
Debut children’s author and long-time kindergarten teacher, Ellie Huynh, writes of a young girl’s trepidation about the diving board at the pool. Is that a sea of blue stretching before her or a silver drain waiting to swallow her up as she looks from the tip of the diving board? Even though her imagination runs wild, she is determined to conquer the diving board and instead focuses on the beautiful possibilities under the water.
I remember many summers of swimming lessons bribing our children to jump off the diving board just once. Sometimes there would be many minutes of standing on the edge only to turn around and run back down the ladder. But, then, once they finally take the leap, they go back time and time again to jump off the diving board, much like this young child in this book. She knows it can be fun and sees other kids do it, but she is scared.
Even though it can be scary, she gathers up her courage and takes a dive into the pool only to find the joy of rising to the surface and floating in the pool. The colors of the illustrations are vibrant and the illustrations remind me of a fun day at the pool full of kids splashing and having fun. If you have a child who is a bit nervous about jumping off the diving board or really any activity, this book might just encourage them to take a leap of faith and overcome their fears.
Ellie Huynh is a long-time kindergarten teacher. She writes stories and poetry with themes of friendship, perseverance, and wonder. This is her debut picture book. Besides writing, Ellie loves singing, painting, and teaching art classes. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.
Bao Luu was born in Vietnam and currently lives in the United States. As an artist, he focuses on color and texture in his illustrations. He loves playing with color. By observing everything in life to gain inspiration, he combines different ideas to create his unique artwork.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Bao Luu, Book Review, Children's books, Ellie Huynh, fiction, swimming