Omar On Board - Hardcover

Kovalski, Maryann

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1550419188 ISBN 13: 9781550419184

Publisher: Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2005

Synopsis

An Ontario Library Association Best Bets 2005

Omar loves the pond in winter. On the ice nobody can skate faster, leap higher, or twirl quite as well as Omar can. Now it's summer, and with the new goggles that his teacher Ms. Fudge gave him, Omar sets out with his classmates for a day of fun on the water. But Omar quickly realizes that he isn't nearly as talented as he thought. When the others float, he sinks. When the others do the backstroke, Omar just gets in the way. Worst of all, when his time comes to jump off the diving board, Omar loses his nerve and has to climb back down the ladder. Discouraged, Omar sits on the sidelines and watches the fun, wishing with all his might for the pond to freeze.

But when a friend needs help, Omar leaps into the breach. After a day of doing everything wrong, now is the time to do something right. Omar is about to discover a new talent after all.

Sometimes it's not about being the best; sometimes it's about thinking of someone else. Young readers will sympathize with the portly bear who tries so valiantly to join in. And they will applaud when Omar finally overcomes his fears and creates his own fun. A spirited sequel to the acclaimed Omar on Ice.

About this title

About the Author:

Maryann Kovalski, one of Canada's most beloved children's writers/illustrators, has received many honours, including the Governor General's Award shortlist, a CLA Notable, a Parent's Choice Illustrator's Honour, and two nominations for the Mr. Christie's Book Award. She is the author of many children's books, including Omar On Ice, Omar's Halloween, Jingle Bells, and Rain, Rain.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 3–On the last day of school, Ms. Fudge treats Omar and his fellow classmates to gifts and a swimming trip to the pond. While the other cubs float belly-up, "spit fountains," and balance balls on their noses, Omar just sinks. When he attempts the backstroke, he crashes into his friend Elsie and pops one of her new balloons. He climbs up onto the high diving board, but his "stomach felt funny and his knees wobbled," and he loses his nerve. Omar's disappointments are forgotten when he tries to retrieve Elsie's lost balloon bouquet. His single-minded pursuit takes him to the top of the diving board again. Grabbing onto the balloon strings, he floats down into the pond to the cheers of his friends. The soft, pencil-crayon illustrations show cuddly bears in bathing caps and colorfully patterned swimsuits. Humorous background details include an audience of expressive frogs. This gentle tale of friendship will appeal to fans of Omar on Ice (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1999).– Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
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About this edition

• Publisher: Fitzhenry and Whiteside
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1550419188
• ISBN 13: 9781550419184
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 1
• Illustrator: Kovalski Maryann