
Part 1
Finn the fox wore his blue swim shirt at the little pool. Water sparkled, but he stayed on the dry deck.
Find a cozy spot. Read together. Pause for the good questions.

Finn the fox wore his blue swim shirt at the little pool. Water sparkled, but he stayed on the dry deck.
Read aloud, take turns, or pause for a question. The illustrated page-by-page reader is above.
Page 1
Finn the fox wore his blue swim shirt at the little pool. Water sparkled, but he stayed on the dry deck.
Page 2
Other children splashed in the shallow end. Finn's paws felt wiggly, and he said, "The water makes me nervous."
Page 3
His swim teacher listened and showed him the steps, handrail, and shallow line. She promised to stay beside him.
Page 4
Finn sat on the edge and dipped only his toes. The water felt cool, then comfortable around them.
Page 5
He held the rail and placed one paw on the first step. The teacher held his other paw gently.
Page 6
Finn stood on the step and blew three bubbles across the water. His wiggly feeling became a proud smile.
Page 7
He did not go deeper that day. Finn played catch from the first step with a floating red ball.
Page 8
Finn learned courage did not mean going far. His brave first step was exactly enough for one day.
Read each question together. Choose the answer that matches the story.
Try the story activityShare a rhyme inspired by the story. Read the words together, tap a gentle beat, or make up your own tune.
Finn wears blue beside the pool.
Sparkling water looks so new.
Wiggly paws stay on the deck.
Finn says, “Water makes me tense.”
Teacher shows the rail and line,
Promises to stay nearby.
One small step is brave today.
You can choose how far to play.
Toes in first, then hold the rail.
One small step can still prevail.
Cool toes slowly feel okay.
First pool step is where he'll stay.
Three soft bubbles cross the blue.
Red ball catch is fun to do.
One small step is brave today.
You can choose how far to play.
Finn need not go deeper yet.
One proud step is his best step.
Teacher smiles beside the blue.
Finn was brave in ways he chose.
Enjoy the video version of this story, then talk about your favorite part.
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