Daisy swims 100 laps of the pool every day in the ‘fast lane’. Everyone knows that this section of the pool is reserved for the serious swimmers.
Everyone – except Frank.
Frank just wants to float around and have fun. He wants to splish-splosh and sidestroke. Daisy doesn’t have a problem with this – until Frank moves over to the fast lane!
Author Pip Harry was once a competitive swimmer herself, so she’s probably met her share of Franks over the years and possibly been as frustrated as Daisy.
Full of alliteration and a smattering of onomatopoeia (two literary devices I can’t get enough of in picture books) The Fast Lane is a fun read with a gentle message about patience and not making assumptions about others.
Katrin Dreiling’s quirky illustrations really capture the antics and personality of Frank in particular, but also Daisy's determination and serious approach to her sport. Bright and full of movement, these beautiful drawings are the perfect complement to Pip’s text, bringing this delightful tale to life.
There’s something in this book for everyone – whether they are a Daisy or a Frank – and young (and old) readers are sure to see a little of themselves in the story.
Title: The Fast Lane
Author: Pip Harry
Illustrator: Katrin Dreiling
Publisher: Larrikin House, $24.99
Publication Date: 28 April 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923345294
For ages: 3 – 7
Type: Picture Book