An original, compelling, and visually stunning treatment of a common childhood predicament: overcoming a fear of the water. Lottie goes to swim lessons every Saturday, but she never gets in the water. That’s because she is convinced there is a shark in the pool, a shark that wants to eat her and only her. But then Walter appears. Walter likes singing and reading books and bubble baths, and his favorite food is fish sticks, just like Lottie. When Saturday rolls around again, Lottie is no more ready to jump in the pool than she was before. Or is she? Sometimes it just takes a special friend to find the courage that was inside you all along. PreS-Gr 2—Lottie keeps her fear a secret, but she knows that the pool where she takes swim lessons hides a ravenous shark—hiding and waiting just for her. Her fear is real, visualized on a spread with an image of Lottie poised at pool's edge, just inches from the nose of an enormous shark. Each week she waits until all of the other children have entered the water…and simply doesn't. Everything changes when a walrus named Walter appears. Despite his enormous size, Walter has a gentle temperament; he likes to sing, read books, take bubble baths, and play with Lottie. Even with her own personal walrus, she is most reluctant to return to the pool for a special party, for she just doesn't want to get into the water—or be eaten. Walter's familiar voice singing from deep under the water changes her mind. Images washed with a filmy haze bring the water and Walter to life. VERDICT A suggested general purchase for all libraries, this tale of courage found through strength from a friend, however imaginary, validates a child's feelings and may encourage discussion of personal fears.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX "Walker’s (“Florette”) watery, dreamy art casts a spell yet offers down-to-earth reassurance."— The New York Times Book Review "Quiet prose...and soft, thoughtful watercolors give this story of facing one’s fears an intimate, confiding feel, with...just the right amount of gentle amusement."— Publishers Weekly "Walker's soft and appropriately watery illustrations complement and extend her whimsical text, lending a dreamlike feel to the story.... A quiet book about making a giant leap." — Kirkus " [A] gentle story addressing a common childhood fear.... Soothing gouache-and-pencil illustrations feature lots of white space, muted colors, and an eye for fine details." — Booklist "[T]his tale of courage found through strength from a friend, however imaginary, validates a child’s feelings and may encourage discussion of personal fears."— School Library Journal "The illustrations capture Lottie’s emotions as she transitions from fearful to fearless." — School Library Connection Author and illustrator Anna Walker has won numerous children’s book design and writing awards in her native Australia. The artwork and stories she’s created in her Melbourne studio have reached young readers worldwide. www.annawalker.com.au, Twitter: @basementbird, Instagram: @_annawalker_