Scramble is a little otter who can't swim. At the beginning of the story, we find him in the middle of writing a list. It's his Can-do and Can't-do List. The Can't-do side just says 'Swimming'. One small word. But not being able to swim is a big deal for Scramble. It means he's teased by some of the riverbank animals. It means he feels left out when everyone else is in the water. And it means he spends hours and hours sitting on his own on the slippery rock wishing and wishing and wishing that he could. But something is going round in Scramble's head. Something his mummy has said. Something his older sister has said. 'You've got to start small' And so, slowly, slowly, Scramble builds his confidence in the water - overcoming each new incremental goal that he sets himself. Until, finally, Scramble really can swim! At the heart of this gentle story about learning a new skill is the message of encouragement - something that is important for toddlers everywhere.

 

There are 32 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2008 by Oxford University Press .

Layn Marlow grew up in Essex. After studying history of art at Reading University, Layn began her career working in libraries. She lived in Belgium for several years but it was on her return to the UK that she enrolled as a mature student at Southampton University and received a first class degree in illustration. Layn now lives in Hampshire with her husband, two children, a hamster and a goldfish. For relaxation she loves listening to the radio, knitting and karate! Amber Stewart works as a book editor in England where she lives. Laura Rankin has illustrated several picture books. She lives on the Maine coast in the USA.