Katie Catz Makes a Splash

Reach for this book when your child is standing at the edge of the pool, clinging to your leg or refusing to get their face wet. It is specifically designed for children who experience genuine sensory or emotional hesitation around water, providing a gentle bridge between fear and the joy of swimming. The story follows Katie Catz as she navigates the loud, splashy environment of a public pool and eventually finds her confidence through small, manageable steps. This book is a wonderful choice for the preschool and kindergarten years because it validates the physical sensations of fear, like the coldness of the water or the sting of a splash. By focusing on Katie's internal journey from anxiety to pride, it models how bravery is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to try anyway. Parents will appreciate the supportive maternal figure who encourages without pushing too hard, making it a perfect read before the first day of swim lessons.