Sakamoto's Swim Club

有華裔血統的Chris Sasaki自Peter Son揭露迪士尼小鹿斑比幕後原創畫家Tyrus Wong(黄齐耀)的故事後，再一次被邀約插畫一個夏威夷的日裔科學老師的故事。讓讀者能夠再度感受這種帶點衝讀的西式東方美。Chris Sasaki已經是迪士尼Monster Inc, Monster U的動畫首席，能夠看到他願意再度提筆繪製兒童繪本，你怎麼可能想要錯過？

一位在夏威夷茂宜島的科學老師看到一群糖廠勞工的孩子下課後成天無所事事，無籌的付出時間帶這著群孩子游泳，在游泳訓練過程中，他獨特的科學原理教學、提升體能等方式讓這群孩子變成美國國家游泳隊，甚至獲得奧運金牌的故事。

在台灣很多家長支持提供孩子讀書以外的多元教育，身為家長或教育工作者，你不會想錯過利用這本書傳遞給孩子們另一個可能的精彩人生機會。

The inspirational and little-known story of a dedicated teacher who coached Hawaiian swimmers all the way to the Olympics, beautifully told in simple rhyme.

When the children of workers on a 1930s Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science teacher Soichi Sakamoto had an idea. He offered to take responsibility for the children – and then he began training them how to swim. Using his science background, Sakamoto devised his own innovative coaching techniques: he developed a strict practice regime for the kids, building their strength and endurance by using the ditch water’s natural current. The children worked hard under the dedicated Sakamoto’s guidance, and their skills improved. They formed a swim club and began to dominate in swimming events around the world. And then one day, the proud Sakamoto saw an impossible dream come true – Olympic gold!

In a unique approach that makes for a moving read-aloud, Julie Abery uses limited rhyming text to tell the little-known story of Coach Sakamoto and the Three-Year Swim Club. The stunning art of award-winning and highly acclaimed Chris Sasaki perfectly complements the lyrical storytelling. This inspiring picture book offers excellent lessons in perseverance, believing in yourself and not letting others define you, while wonderfully capturing how one person can make a huge difference in the lives of others. In highlighting the team’s “bright and loud” presence at events, with their Hawaiian dress and ukulele, it also encourages children to take pride in their heritage and view it as a strength. An author’s note with photos and more information tell the fuller story of Soichi Sakamoto and his Three-Year Swim Club.

適用年齡：5歲以上

精裝; 40頁

商品尺寸(cm)：25.3 x 21.59 x 0.8