The Littlest Lifeguard

Published January 2024 by Upstart Press. Illustrated by Lisa Allen.

The Littlest Lifeguard tries their best to be like the rest of the team; but all their attempts to help just end in chaos! When the team is called away for an emergency, the Littlest Lifeguard discovers that there are things they can do to help – in their own way.

Often little kids want to do what the big kids do and sometimes… well, they just aren’t ready yet. The trick is to help them find a job that they can achieve, and encourage them to keep trying – with a bit of practise and a bit of time, they will get there!

Summer at the beach is a huge part of the Kiwi lifestyle, and most of us are familiar with the red and yellow uniform of the Surf Livesaving crews. Growing up, I spent many fun summer holidays at Mt Maunganui enjoying the sun and surf. The local surf lifeguards often trained on the beach and on Sunday mornings it was the little Nippers turn to practise their skills. This story is a tribute to all the Surf Lifesavers who give up their own time to help keep us safe in the water.

Fun Fact – in 2014 I took part in the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge where the aim is to write a picture book manuscript each month for a year. It was fun and a lot of work but I did it. This story was the manuscript I wrote in December, while on a family holiday at beautiful Pauanui. The beach and memories of previous summer holidays gave me the inspiration I needed!

Follow this link to find out about what the Surf Life Saving New Zealand volunteers do to help us, and what you can do to stay safe in the water.

Downloadable Teacher Resource:
The Littlest Lifeguard – Teacher Resource

Reviews:
KiwiReviews
What Book Next?
Kids Books NZ

Resources:
Kete Books – author interview