Review by Booklist Review
Timid hen Olvina tackled her fear of flight in Olvina Flies (2003). This comforting sequel begins at the beach, where Olvina lounges in the sand, afraid to join her friend Hailey in the water. Hailey is persistent, and when Olvina offers the excuse that chickens don't swim, Hailey has a firm, encouraging reply: That doesn't mean they can't. It's easy I'll teach you! They start small in the bathtub. And when Olvina feels comfortable putting her face underwater, the pair moves to the pool, where Olvina dons orange floaties and learns to paddle and blow bubbles. At last, she tries the ocean and discovers that the salty water feels like a hug. Lin's clear, clean-lined drawings make the action seem inviting and fun, and the palette of tropical colors reinforces the upbeat tone. Kids donning their first water wings are an obvious audience; they'll also enjoy Eve Rice's Swim (1996) and Anne Gutman's Gaspard at the Seashore (2002). Olvina's approach to learning new things step-by-step, with help from friends will give every child a confidence boost.--Engberg, Gillian Copyright 2007 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-The story picks up where Olvina Flies (Holt, 2003) leaves off, with the fearful chicken and her penguin friend in Hawaii. Hailey encourages her pal to overcome her fear of the water in stages, first in the bathtub, then in the pool, and finally in the ocean. In the end, Olvina learns to enjoy the water and appreciate a helpful friend. Lin's straightforward story will reassure nervous young swimmers. Both the text and art include whimsical moments and images, such as the ocean-dwelling fish sporting top hats and caps. The full- and half-page spreads, executed in gouache, feature delightful patterned borders and fabric designs in sunny colors. Pair this with Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz's Froggy Learns to Swim (Viking, 1995) for a storytime that youngsters can dive into.-Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Olvina's a chicken, both inside and out. She musters up the courage to swim in the ocean after penguin pal Hailey teaches her how to blow bubbles in the bathtub and dog paddle in the pool. Lin's reassuring story should ease kids' fears, and her gouache illustrations, showing animals in cheery, patterned swimwear, add just the right touch of humor. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Bird Convention has ended and it's time for vacation in Hawaii. Olvina, having overcome her fear of flying (Olvina Flies, 2003), tackles swimming with encouraging lessons from newfound convention friend Hailey. Not wanting to "be a chicken," Olvina splashes right into the hotel bathtub, learns to blow bubbles underwater and graduates to the outdoor pool. Lin captures both the uncertainty and hesitation of a new swimmer gently coaxed and finally immersed in an aquatic world of exercise, relaxation and enjoyment. Her signature uncomplicated, outlined gouache paintings against marine blues depict an array of anthropomorphized animal hotel guests and a chicken's childlike expressions of fear, doubt, hard work and ultimate pleasure. Most of all, Olvina learns "chickens can do anything" with good friends and a little work. A refreshing dive into a common anxiety with an uplifting message. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
