12 Books Perfect for Poolside

I love to swim, and honestly, anything water-related! Check out my storytime theme of great picture books about the ocean and the beach. But, heading to the ocean on vacation isn’t an option for everyone, so here are 12 books perfect for poolside sharing.

Let me jump up on my soapbox really quick, it is vital that everyone learns how to swim. Drowning can happen in a blink of an eye and in far less water than you can imagine. Whether you can get swim lessons at a local Y or rec center, pay for a private instructor – whatever, make sure your family knows some basic swimming strokes and what to do when you get water up your nose or get tired in the pool. You can also set up rules for how and when your kids get in the water. Make sure they are aware of all the rules before you go to the pool!

I’ve also seen a lot of information about choosing the best swimsuit for kids – look for something that is yellow, orange, red, or pink – colors that stand out against the blues and greens in water. Lifeguards can more easily spot these colors! And don’t forget the sunscreen! Keep layering it on, especially if you’re near water, the reflection is going to make you more susceptible to sunburn.

Okay, off my little safety soapbox. My nephew has taken to the water like a fish in the past few months and I’m so excited that I get to share something I love with him! We went swimming a bunch of times leading up to my sister’s wedding. Lake swimming is a completely different situation than being in a pool, but to be safe we both had our life vests on and I made sure another adult was on the dock at all times, just in case. He’s learning to doggie paddle and float on his back and loving every minute of it! I’m definitely going to be sharing some of these great books with him!