Splash!

Review also includes:

Zoom!, **, 978-1845073466

Splash! and Zoom! follow the adventures of a baby during a busy day. Each double page spread features one page that is mostly text opposite one full-page illustration. The text on each page is two to four words long. Splash! contains a rhyme scheme ‘Splash on the cat / Splash on the hat’ whereas Zoom! has a rhythm scheme. The books end with a general statement that the baby is a ‘Splash/Zoom baby!’ but this is incongruent with the rhyme and rhythm schemes. The overall effect is slightly jarring. I suppose that when spoken with over-the-top exuberance, the end page could be a fitting conclusion to an action filled book.

Of the two, Splash! is more effective as the rhyme is less forced and the illustrations are more clearly conceptualised. On the plus side, the books are a perfect size for exploring with a baby. The soft watercolours with their pastel hues draw the eye and give the impression of dynamic activity and fluid movement. Babies will also enjoy the lively faces with their over-large eyes. They may not be books to pass down to your grandchildren, but they are good fun.