The fish that couldn’t swim

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Summary

This story is about a boy who excels at many physical activities like running, jumping, climbing, and imitating a seagull, but he lacks the ability to swim. Driven by a strong desire to learn, he encounters a fish that also seems unable to swim. The boy's compassion leads him to help the fish by placing it in water, bringing it to life. In return, the fish shows the boy how to blow bubbles with his mouth in the water. This playful interaction inspires the boy, and he uses the fish’s advice to eventually teach himself to swim. The narrative highlights themes of friendship, mutual assistance, and determination, encouraging children to overcome challenges and seek help when needed.

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There once was a boy who could run and jump and climb. He could even make a noise like a seagull.

But he couldn’t swim.

And oh, how he wanted to.

Then one day…

…he noticed a fish that couldn’t swim either.

He wanted to help the fish.

So he put it in the water…

…and the fish came alive!

But the boy also wanted to learn to swim.

So the fish showed the boy how to put his mouth in the water and blow.

What fun they had!

The next day, the boy remembered what the fish had taught him.

And so the boy who could run and jump and climb, and even make a noise like a seagull, learned to swim like a fish.

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Credits

Originally published by Book Dash under a Creative Commons Licensed BY 4.0. This book can be read for free on https://bookdash.org/books/the-fish-that-couldnt-swim/ and was created by: Thulisizwe Mamba (Illustrator), Ingrid Nye (Editor), Sarah Gaylard (Writer), Gisela Strydom (Designer)

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