“What starts as a loopy tale about an interspecies water ballet competition gradually reveals itself to be a call for solidarity and resistance in the face of injustice . . . Ursula, with her ability to turn personal betrayal into collective triumph, may remind adult readers of the heroines of ShondaLand.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, "Best Summer Books 2016"

“The straightfaced silliness of the premise guarantees laughs, but there’s also real tenderness . . . The use of bears as this world’s scapegoat and the randomness of their ban may give kids new insights into the concept of prejudice as well, and the book comfortably and capably mixes absurdity with pathos . . . Perfect for poolside reading or for storytimes about swimming, summer, or the Olympics, Ursula’s story is a real winner.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“A creative spin on inclusivity—an issue never before approached through agile polar-bear paw positions or the graceful lifting of camels in the air. Starin’s anthropomorphized cats, chickens, crocs, and more (along with amusing asides in the background) steal the show. It’s a consciously silly pretense, but discussion possibilities abound, and there’s no question it’s funny.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The message that loyalty and inclusiveness are important is a valuable one to share with children. Don’t hesitate to jump into this pool.” —School Library Journal