Evaluation

 

Initial Reception of Swimmy:

 

When Swimmy was published in August 1963, the Horn Review applauded the “astonishingly beautiful seascapes” and the techniques Lionni utilized in combining shape, patter, and color. 

 

In addition to the gorgeous artwork, much of the reception was not focused on the political messages included in the book.  One being the minority black fish leading the other colored fishes to life and freedom.  The organized fish travel the ocean, unafraid of the bigger fish because of their collective power. This simple sory is a jumping-off point for conversations with very young children about the power of organizing as a community, strategizing together to overcome challenges, and pooling efforts and resources. 

 

Current Reception of Swimmy:

 

Parents and teachers continue to praise Swimmy, not only for the unique illustrative technique, but also for the moral simplicity that is easily understood by younger children.  The Horn Book Guide updated their initial review in 1991 by expanding on the description of the illustrations: “astonishingly beautiful seascapes full of undulating watery {shapes}.” 

 

The initial draw most consumers react to are the illustrations.  As described by a reviewer on Amazon.com, two customers recall why they were drawn to Swimmy, and what aspects made them love it:

 

“Each of Lionni’s books is a wonder unto itself.   His artwork is worth floating around in for a while—the textures and the muted colors of the ocean’s murk are so lovely.  Swimmy is a reminder to stop and smell the sea anemones and to try the impossible.”

                                                                                May 27, 2013

 

“Everyone has clear memories of the tenacious little fish.  A simple but dramatic plot keeps the children engrossed, especially combined with the dreamlike illustrations.”

                                                                                      August 12, 1998

 

In addition to the illustrations, the simple fable appeals not only to parents but is easily understood by children.  Two first graders, quoted by their teacher onto the teachers’ blog, give their opinion of Swimmy:

 

“This story teaches that one small fish can make a difference by thinking outside of the box and using team-work. Swimmy shows that even though he might appear different, there is nothing wrong with him and he actually is very bright.”

 

“Swimmy shows us that the best way to deal with loss and fear and sorrow is to turn your attention to the wonders of this world, to swim and play and SEE things!"

 

As a girl growing up in Miami, Florida, Swimmy was one of the most influential books read to my first grade class.  To help us grasp the concept of strength in numbers, we carved potato stamps in the shape of one small fish.  We then created our own artwork by stamping fish into a large mass, and were pleasantly surprised to see how similar it was compared to Lionni’s illustrations. 

 

Educational Purpose:

        

Swimmy is also utilized heavily in the classroom.  The current production of the book includes directions on the interior flaps detailing how to create your own Swimmy out of cut sponges and paint. Many kindergarten teachers include this art project into their syllabus, but Swimmy is able to convey other themes besides creativity.  For example, one teacher advocates using Swimmy to introduce spatial reasoning skills [i].  In order to prevent his school of small fish from being swallowed up by the big fish, Swimmy teaches the little fish to swim together and give the appearance of a larger fish.  The teacher then challenged her students to create the larger fish out of the little fish.  Handing her students small puzzle pieces and a large outline of a fish, the children are introduced to complex pattern-block puzzles, expanding their spatial reasoning skills.    

 

Referenecs:

 

Au, Wayne, Bill Bigelow, and Stan Karp. Rethinking Our Classrooms, Volume 1: Teaching for Equity and Justice. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools, 2007. Print.

 

"Meet Swimmy!" For the Love of Teaching. 6. Dec. 2011. Retrieved from http://4theloveofteaching.blogspot.com/2011/12/meet-swimmy.html

 

Swimmy. Lionni, Leo. 2009, <www.Amazon.com>

 

Swimmy (Book Review). Horn Book Magazine. 39, 378, Aug. 1963.

 

 

i]  Au, Wayne, Bill Bigelow, and Stan Karp. Rethinking Our Classrooms, Volume 1: Teaching for Equity and Justice. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools, 2007. Print.