Valerie Bolling is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. She is the author of six picture books: Let’s Dance! (SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner); Together We Ride, Together We Ride, Together We Swim,  Ride, Roll, Run, Time For Fun!, Bing, Bop, Bam, Time To Jam, Rainbow Days, and I See Color which was a Scholastic Acorn early reader series. A graduate of Tufts University and Teachers College, Columbia University, Valerie has been an educator for 30 years and is an active member of the kidlit community – teaching picture book classes (independently and for the Highlights Foundation), serving as a mentor, and presenting at conferences. Valerie lives in Connecticut with her husband where they enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing.

TOGETHER WE SWIM

Together We Swim was a 2023 Kirkus Prize Young Reader’s Finalist. The book is a joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son’s relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child’s first swimming lessons. Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom’s steady arms, there is no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family’s cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool. ​Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences.