Oslo Learns to Swim: Ready-to-Read Level 1

by Doug Cushman

Rex the warthog teaches his best friend, Oslo the oxpecker, to swim in this first book in the sweet and funny Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about the unlikely duo.

Rex the warthog and Oslo the oxpecker bird are friends who do everything together. But when Rex wants to go swimming, Oslo objects! The water looks cold and wet. There might be sharks. Will Rex be able to help Oslo overcome his fears and join in the fun?

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship

32 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Doug Cushman has illustrated more than 100 children’s books, 20 or so of which he has also written. Among his many honors, Doug has gained a place on the New York Times Children’s Best Sellers list and on the 2003 Children’s Literature Choice list. He has received a National Cartoonist’s Society Reuben award and a 2004 Christopher Award for his book illustrations.

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex the warthog wants Oslo the oxpecker bird to swim with him, but Oslo has so many reasons why he shouldn't. It's too cold, wet, and scary creatures could be hiding right under the surface, like sharks and crocodiles. Rex is persistent though because Oslo is being unreasonable. Finally, Oslo caves and the two have a blast with a surprisingly funny ending.

OSLO LEARNS TO SWIM is a level one ready to read book for children aged four and up full of water fun. The illustrations are simple so children can focus on the words and the word choices are easy for early readers to sound out. This story is full of humor and friendship as Rex convinces Oslo to swim. It's cute seeing a bird and warthog swimming together and makes me think of Lion King.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to early readers aged four and up who love reading about animals and friendship. My daughter enjoyed this book and I love watching her expand her vocabulary.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Where are you going, Rex? I am going swimming. Come with me. Will we be cold? It is a hot day.

Premise/plot: Rex, a warthog, "teaches" his (oh-so-reluctant) friend, Oslo, an oxpecker, how to swim. Oslo has zero interest in learning to swim. NONE. Rex thinks Oslo should want to learn to swim. He's just as insistent as Oslo is resistant. Will Oslo learn to swim?

My thoughts: I was underwhelmed. Granted I am not the intended audience for this one. Granted I overthink things. The over-thinker in me is like why does Oslo *need* to learn how to swim? Why does it matter so much to Rex that Oslo learns to swim just so they can swim together in the future? Like isn't Rex being just a little too pushy if he's a good friend? Why should Oslo have to do something just because his friend wants him too. Isn't this just peer pressure? But I overthink things apparently.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this Rex and Oslo book, Oslo is hesitant to admit that the reason he doesn't want to go swimming (and keeps making up silly excuses) is because he doesn't know how. Rex, good friend that he is, teaches Oslo how to swim so that they can play in the water together.

Cute, good for kids reluctant before swimming lessons has a funny twist at the end.

[Elaine Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

beginning readers
Piggie and Elephant style with the dialog baloons and two friends. Really enjoyed this one.

Simon & Schuster - Simon Spotlight
A Ready-to-Read Book / Fiction (? it is non-fiction)
readytoread.com

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ending

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6 year old daughter was almost able to read this by herself.