Families who loved It's Pool Time! by Meredith Rusu often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

Reach for this book when your child is facing the first-day jitters of a new physical activity, particularly swimming lessons. While it features the familiar, giant Red Dog, the heart of the story is the supportive relationship between Emily Elizabeth and Clifford as they navigate the intimidating waters of a public pool. It is a gentle, low-stakes introduction to the concept of graduated exposure: watching others first, getting your toes wet, and finally taking the plunge. Perfect for preschoolers, this story validates the fear of the unknown while providing a roadmap for how to be a supportive friend. It serves as an excellent social story for children who need to visualize the steps of a swimming lesson before they experience it themselves.