Swing: A Picture Book About Letters, Friendship, and Playground Joy for Kids (Ages 4-8)

Recess. A swing set. An argument. A resolution! Michael Hall’s transformative Swing is a celebration of friendship, joy, and kindness. Readers of all ages will look forward to seeing how four unlikely friends navigate their differences. A surprising and standout picture book from the acclaimed and bestselling creator of Red: A Crayon’s Story and Perfect Square.

It’s recess! Four letters (O, V, E, and L) race to the playground to claim the swings. In several pages of recess banter and bullying, one letter is told it’s too round, one is from the wrong end of the alphabet, and one is a vowel and therefore not welcome.

What does it take to save the day? Kindness . . . and a heavenly and joyful swing. And what do the letters—friends now because of their shared experience—spell when they finally come back to Earth? LOVE.

A story about sharing, acceptance, and kindness, this transcendent and colorful picture book will keep readers guessing while also introducing the letters of the alphabet. Swing is for anyone who loves to hop on a swing and fly to the sky.

A perfect preschool read aloud for exploring big feelings and new friendships:

• Social Emotional Learning: A gentle introduction to navigating differences, understanding exclusion, and the power of kindness on the playground.
• Overcoming Differences: Follow the letters L, O, V, and E as they learn that being round, a vowel, or from a different part of the alphabet makes them unique, not unwelcome.
• A Story About Friendship: Watch an argument on the swings transform into a joyful, shared experience that brings four unlikely friends together.
• Gentle Anti-Bullying Theme: A simple, powerful story that shows little readers how to respond to exclusion with kindness and inclusion.

Michael Hall grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and lives with his family in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the creator of numerous acclaimed picture books for children, including Frankencrayon, Red: A Crayon’s Story, My Heart Is Like a Zoo, Perfect Square, and It’s an Orange Aardvark!