Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim



Last updated Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Author: Kobina Commeh
Illustrator: Bárbara Quintino
Date of Publication: 2025
ISBN: 979-8888593622
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2026

Synopsis:
"How about we make a deal?" Nana rubbed Kwesi's head. "I will learn to swim, if you do."

"Deal!"

Kwesi likes spending time at the lake with his friends, except there's one tiny problem... he can't swim. But guess what? Neither can Nana Ruby! When she comes over for dinner one night, she tells Kwesi about when she moved from Ghana to the US and the history of segregation that kept her out of pools and caused a fear of water among many Black people.

"So I will never learn how to swim?" Kwesi asks. But Nana Ruby tells him they will call on the strength of Mami Wata, the sea creature of West African legend, to conquer their fears together.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you know how to swim? Was it easy to learn?
•  Why is it important to learn to swim?

Vocabulary:
•  Gurgle (v) make a hollow bubbling sound like that made by water running out of a bottle.
•  Scrumptious (adj) extremely tasty; delicious.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you ever been scared to try something new? What helped you?
•  Do you believe in Mami Wata?
•  Have you ever helped your grandparents learn something new?

Craft ideas:
•  Create a swimming safety poster, reminding swimmers to never swim alone and to always listen to adults.
•  Draw a family picture of doing things you all enjoy.

Special activities:
•  Share something you would like to learn and the steps to get you there.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!