Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim

It is unfortunate that Kim and Stew Leonard, Jr. ever had to write this book. The efforts the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, through books and programs, will helpfully save other children through education about water safety.

Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim is geared to ages 2 through 6. It is the story of Stewie the Duck, who wants desperately to join the older kids in the pool. After all, what duck doesn't love to swim and play in the summer? Before Stewie can go swimming, however, he has to learn about water safety. With the help of his family, and a jingle sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Stewie masters the concepts, and can safely enjoy summertime fun in the pool.

I found the the jingle a bit tough to sing--it didn't seem to flow with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star to me, but the CD helped, and I promise to practice! Still, the message is clear, and it's a great one to go over with your young children every day, especially during the hot summer months when swimming pools look so inviting.

The second book, Swimming Lessons with Stewie the Duck, was published in 2005. In this book, kids learn how to become safe swimmers. As soon as your children are ready for lessons, this book makes a great reinforcement of important concepts.

The Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation was created in memory of Stew Leonard III, who died in 1989 in a drowning accident when he was 21 months old. It provides scholarships for swimming lessons and safety equipment through local YMCAs and Swim America.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital partnered with the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation in 2005 on a water safety curriculum that is being introduced to first graders in the Phoenix area.