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Zimmy

The Human Fish

Author David A. Adler

Illustrated by Rob Shepperson

Hardcover

$19.99 US

Candlewick | Holiday House

10.33"W x 10.3"H x 0.36"D | 15 oz | 28 per carton

On sale Jan 20, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9780823455508

Age 4-8 years

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Meet Charles “Zimmy” Zibelman, the legless athlete who swam from Albany to New York City, in this nonfiction picture book from bestselling author David A. Adler.

On August 23, 1938, “The Legless Wonder” Charles Zibelman began his daring swim to New York City—a one hundred forty-five mile journey that would take him six days to complete. Swimming for up to a hundred hours at a time without stopping, he was covered in barnacles by the time he arrived at his destination to thousands of cheering spectators. When he arrived at a Harlem hospital for recuperation after his exhausting journey, he told paramedics, “I feel kind of funny being out of the water.”

Charles “Zimmy” Zibelman cites having no legs as the key to his achievements—he could bob in the water like a cork and even sleep while staying afloat! “The Human Fish” was truly one with the water, and his lively personality is as memorable as his achievements.

Nonfiction pro David A. Adler and prolific illustrator Rob Shepperson introduce readers to one of history’s most amazing athletes, who swam against the current to break records and make a name for himself in newspapers around the country. Disabled daredevil Zimmy’s story is an action-packed yet true tale sure to make a splash with educators and young readers alike.

David A. Adler is a former math teacher and author of more than two hundred books for children. He has collaborated on several science picture books with Anna Raff, including Light Waves and Magnets Push, Magnets Pull, both named finalists for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books. He is also the author of the Picture Book Biography series and the Cam Jansen mystery series. He lives in New York.

Rob Shepperson’s editorial illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. The children’s books he has illustrated include Thunderboom! by David L. Harrison and Blue Daisy by Helen Frost. He lives on the Hudson River, along Zimmy’s route, in Croton-on-Hudson.

David A. Adler View titles by David A. Adler

Rob Shepperson View titles by Rob Shepperson

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Shepperson’s cartoon illustrations vividly convey both setting and Zimmy’s determination, while Adler’s text is upbeat and engaging, with well-chosen biographical details. . . . An absorbing introduction to a talented showman and athlete.
—Kirkus Reviews

Jaunty watercolor-washed pen-and-ink illustrations by Shepperson (the Franklin School Friends series) capture the swimmer’s irrepressible personality.
—Publishers Weekly

The watercolor illustrations reflect both the historical period and Zimmy’s spirited personality. . . .A compelling biography.
—Booklist

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