By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
“The Duck That Was Afraid to Swim,” by Willie Mae Anthony, is a new children’s book that follows a duck named Kevin that is afraid to swim.
“Ducks naturally are supposed to know how to swim but this little duck, Kevin, for some reason was afraid to,” Anthony said. “He had to conquer his fear and along the way of conquering his fear, he was also teased and made fun of.”
“The Duck That Was Afraid to Swim” is intended for children ages 5-12 but adult readers have been moved by the book as well. Readers will enjoy the vivid illustrations by Iman Fatima that bring Kevin, his family and friends to life.
“Several people, even adults have said, ‘wow that Kevin within me has gotten over some things,’” Anthony said. “I guess there’s a 5-year-old or a 12-year-old in all of us.”
“The Duck That Was Afraid to Swim” was written for the author’s granddaughter who experienced bullying and all of the other little “Kevins” that find themselves afraid of certain things.
It is Anthony’s hope that her book encourages readers to not only face, but ultimately conquer, their fears.
“My book is directed to whatever it is that is holding you back,” Anthony said. “Get over that main thing and the rest of them will come easy.”
In addition to helping kids face their fears, the book will also encourage children to be compassionate and to be more vocal about the issues impacting their lives.
“I want this book to be a blessing to somebody’s child,” Anthony said. “There’s a little Kevin in all of us.”
Anthony is the author of several children’s books that offer young readers tools on how to navigate some of the everyday issues that children encounter.
“The Duck That Was Afraid to Swim” is the first in a series of books that will follow Kevin. Book two will chronicle Kevin’s exploration of his grandfather Leo’s garden as he learns the importance of fresh vegetables.
In addition to being an author, Anthony is a councilwoman and wife of 44 years, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is based in Berkeley, Missouri. For more information about the author and her work, visit, williemaeanthony.com. The book was published by ForWord Books, @ForWordBooks@gmail.com.
“The Duck That Was Afraid to Swim” is available for $20 on Amazon.
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