Empowering Lives Through Wisdom, Skills, Practice, & Joy
Author Linda Eldredge is a retired psychologist specializing in communication and personal empowerment. Her debut book, Tales from the Diving Board, helps kids breathe, focus, and build confidence when trying new things.
Books & Publications
Tales From The Diving Board
A fun, inspiring chapter book that combines imagination with practical swimming skills, helping children build confidence, learn safely, and enjoy the excitement of diving.
- Engaging story about friendship, playfulness, adventure, and celebration
- Colorful instructional illustrations
- Techniques of breathing, floating, and swimming fundamentals
- Step-by-step guidance for safe diving techniques
- Confidence building encouragement to try new skills
Linda Eldredge, EdD
Author & Retired Psychologist
Linda Eldredge, EdD is the author of her debut book, Tales from the Diving Board. She draws from decades of her own experience swimming and doing tricks off the diving board.
Dr. Eldredge was a licensed psychologist who retired from private practice. She worked with individuals, couples, and families. She helped them to address issues such as relationships, depression, anxiety, communication issues, job stress, life transitions, spirituality, and trauma recovery. In addition to serving the general population, Dr. Eldredge worked with people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, Deaf-Blind, or who have one or more disabilities. She is fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English.
Speaking & Media
Inspiring Audiences
Dr. Eldredge is a dynamic speaker who translates holistic mental health concepts into engaging, actionable insights. She has delivered presentations to a variety of audiences.
Dr. Eldredge taught techniques described in her book Tales from the Diving Board in person at swimming pools for decades. She instructed people how to breathe, float, swim, and perform various diving board tricks. She is available to discuss her book and answer questions about how to jump for joy and take the plunge off the diving board.
Dr. Eldredge's Insights Delivered
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Praise
What People Are Saying
This tale is for everyone
There is something special for everyone 8 years to 88+ in this delightful book. The illustrations are beautiful. There's magic to making friends and learning new skills while having fun. I will buy another, enjoy it again, gift it again...
April R. 5 out of 5 stars,
July 8, 2026
VERY INFORMATIVE, WELL-WRITTEN, CAPTIVATING BOOK!
Our son says that the book is amazing. He learned so much that he wasn't taught in swimming lessons. He couldn't put it down and read through it in one evening. He didn't even want to come to supper!
Dave H., 5 out of 5 stars,
June 2, 2026
This book is full of positivity, imagination, and encouragement. I especially enjoyed how the swimming techniques were explained in a simple and engaging way without interrupting the flow of the story. It's both entertaining and educational.
Randy J., 5 out of 5 stars,
June 25, 2026
Tales from the Diving Board is a delightful reminder that learning new skills can be exciting rather than intimidating. Your encouraging tone makes children feel supported every step of the way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
I found this to be an inspiring and refreshing read. It celebrates determination, friendship, and the joy of learning in a way that feels genuine and uplifting. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
Emma R., 5 out of 5 stars,
June 30, 2026
This is the kind of children's book that parents will enjoy reading alongside their kids. The story is engaging, and the positive life lessons make it even more meaningful.
Mary J., 5 out of 5 stars,
June 30, 2026
I loved how Tales from the Diving Board makes learning feel like an exciting adventure. The friendships, imagination, and step-by-step encouragement make this book both educational and enjoyable. It's the kind of story that children can read more than once and continue to learn from.
Amanda A., 5 out of 5 stars,
June 25, 2026
This book stands out because it doesn't simply tell children to be brave, it shows them how confidence grows through practice, patience, and self-belief. That's an incredibly valuable lesson wrapped inside a fun adventure.
Angelica T., 5 out of 5 stars,
June 30, 2026
Your writing creates such vivid images that I could almost picture every dive, splash, and joyful moment. It's refreshing to see a children's book that teaches practical skills while encouraging confidence and perseverance. Well done!
Lorraine L., 5 out of 5 stars,
June 25, 2026
Delightful from start to finish
Tales from the Diving Board is such a delightful and meaningful book for girls ages 8–12. It is so much more than a story about learning to dive. Through a beautifully told adventure, it explores courage, confidence, friendship, and the experience of overcoming fears. The story is filled with wonderful symbolism and celebrates diversity, making it a book that many young readers can see themselves in.
What makes this book especially unique is the way it combines an inspiring story with high-quality diving instruction from someone with real competitive diving experience. Young readers not only get to enjoy the journey of the characters, but also gain insight into the sport itself in a way that feels approachable and encouraging. It is simple, positive, and relatable for young readers.
I love that this book shows that growth happens one step at a time. Whether a child dreams of becoming a diver or is simply learning to believe in herself, Tales from the Diving Board offers a wonderful message about bravery, perseverance, and discovering what you are capable of. It is an uplifting, beautifully crafted book that would be a wonderful addition to any young girl’s bookshelf.
I love everything about this book!
Tiffany 5 out of 5 stars, July 9, 2026
What a gift!
What a gift this book is to anyone who’s wanted to learn diving board skills! How many of us have yearned for these but didn’t know how to gain them? Eldredge’s beautiful book provides.
Although written for eight-to-twelve-year-olds, people of varying ages could use this book. In thoughtful, step-by-step fashion, and with gorgeous illustrations by Laura Brayda, the author opens a door to the joy and accomplishment of the sport and at a learning pace that can suit anyone. It especially welcomes girls, BIPOC, and those with hearing impairments. The author celebrates friendships that enable the diving to happen as well as family encouragement. She also made a version of the book that is accessible to those with learning disabilities. Bravo!
On a poetic level, Tales from the Diving Board is a well-told tale of briefly escaping one’s earthly shackles and soaring. It teaches the reader how to connect one’s body/mind/soul to bounce, twist, and turn in the glorious sun before landing in the flow of sparkling, cool waters.
I’d like to see the book in every public library and available at every pool that has a diving board. Copies would make great gifts and empower those new to diving.
Notably, many of Eldredge’s diving experiences took place in the living waters of Austin’s Barton Springs, a place where human communities have gathered and rejuvenated themselves for many millennia. Thank you, Linda Eldredge, for honoring this legacy by creating this book!
Janet C. 5 out of 5 stars, June 1, 2026