Tiny Barbarian is a small but mighty brown-skinned child, ready to conquer the world with his Viking helmet (a colander with horns), cape (a toilet rug in disguise), and club (a cardboard paper towel roll). Inspired by his hero, the film character Bob the Barbarian, Tiny dreams of swimming across oceans and battling a kraken, although he doesn’t quite know what a kraken is.
However, before he can embark on grand adventures, Tiny must first conquer swimming lessons at the community pool. He learns the basics: putting his face in the water, blowing bubbles, floating, and dog paddling. When Tiny spots a menacing (inflatable) kraken approaching his parents, he bravely swims across the pool and defeats the creature with his kickboard shield. “Tiny’s realm? Defended. His family? Protected.”
The colorful cartoon illustrations pop against a white background, with Tiny’s expressive eyes revealing his emotions. The contrast between real life and Tiny’s vivid imagination will provoke giggles, while children nervous about swimming will find confidence and excitement. The book features a diverse group of swimmers, parents, and instructors. Tiny’s father is light-skinned with red hair and a beard, and his mother is brown-skinned with brown hair.
A humorous and empowering introduction to swimming basics for young adventurers ready to test the waters. (Picture book. 3-7)
3.5/5
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