First published in 1969, this lively I Can Read Book sports story has been newly illustrated with a multicultural cast in a New York City neighborhood. Freddy goes with his friends to the local pool, but he can't swim in the deep water, and he's left alone at the shallow end while everyone else has fun. When some big kids throw him into the pool, he feels terrible, but his friends and his mother encourage him to ask the lifeguard for lessons. Freddy learns how to float, to breathe and blow bubbles in the water, and how to move his arms and legs, until he can jump into the deep water with his friends. And the lifeguard gets rid of those bullies. (Reviewed October 1, 1999)

This edition is virtually identical to the earlier one except that the pen-and-ink illustrations have been updated with full color. The story still stands up, and young readers will sympathize with Freddy, who must stay out of the deep water and all the fun--until he asks the lifeguard for some swimming tips.