3 Reasons Why You Should Read Over or Under? by Pip Harry, Illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper

What’s the book about?

I’m jumping waves at the beach with Dad.
If they’re small I can leap over their frothy peaks.
Easy!
But further out, when they’re big, you have to duck dive under.

Maisie is learning about ocean swimming at the beach. The small waves are easy, but how will she know when to dive under the bigger ones? And will she be brave enough to try? Lucky Dad is there to help her.

Recommended for: 

Ages 3+

Three reasons to read it: 

1. Tapper’s illustrations bring the story to life with vibrant colors and whimsical depictions of waves and beach scenes. Tapper uses a lively and inviting color scheme that captures the essence of a sunny day at the beach. The blues of the ocean are rich and varied, from deep navy where the big waves crash to lighter turquoise in the shallows. The small waves that Maisie leaps over are depicted as playful and inviting, while the larger waves loom majestically, adding a touch of awe.
2. At the heart of Over or Under? is the beautiful relationship between Maisie and her dad. His gentle guidance and encouragement provide a warm, reassuring backdrop as she learns to navigate the challenges of swimming. This dynamic makes the book heartfelt not only for kids but also parents.
3. Over or Under? isn’t just about swimming; it’s a metaphor for facing challenges. Maisie’s journey teaches readers about resilience and the importance of being brave in the face of uncertainty. As she navigates her swimming lessons, the book highlights the significance of celebrating small victories. Each successful leap or dive is a moment of triumph that builds Maisie’s confidence. It reinforces the idea that courage isn’t always about grand gestures. It can be found in the small, everyday acts of bravery.

Buy a copy of Over or Under? here.

About the author:

Pip Harry is an Australian author, copywriter and journalist. Her young adult novels include I’ll Tell You Mine, Head of the River and Because of You. Her middle grade novel The Little Wave won the 2020 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers. Pip’s second middle grade novel, Are You There, Buddha?, was a 2022 Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book and was shortlisted for the 2022 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature. Pip’s next middle grade novel, August & Jones, was published by Hachette in 2022 and was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers 2023 and the 2024 YABBA Awards, and won the CBCA Shadow Judging Book of the Year for Younger Readers. Her first picture book, Over or Under? is inspired by a lifetime of ocean swimming and occasionally getting dumped by big waves.