Suryia Swims!

K-Gr 3–Featuring the unusual orangutan first introduced in Suryia and Roscoe (Holt, 2011), this title focuses on the many unusual activities he enjoys, most notably a love of water. Readers follow along as he splashes in a bubble bath and gradually becomes the first of his species to develop the ability to swim. Full-color photographs document his progress as he learns to hold his breath underwater, dive for pool rings, and eventually begin to swim. He is seen swimming with lots of different friends–both human and otherwise–including Bubbles the elephant and Tonks the tiger. Fans of Suryia and his canine pal, Roscoe, will surely enjoy this continuation into the life of a very special orangutan that lives on a wildlife preserve in South Carolina. Each spread features two or three clear photos and minimal text that serves mainly as captions. Easy nonfiction for readers of differing abilities.–Cathie Bashaw Morton, Millbrook Central School District, NY