Lottie & Walter

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. |

"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