In with a Splash

Karen Sapp's In with a Splash is one of those children's books that has potential for being a must-read, simply due to the fun it provides. Still, In with a Splash tells an important lesson at the same time.

In with a Splash tells the story of a little penguin named-quite originally-Little Penguin. Little Penguin loves playing with his friends; however, when it comes to water, he is quite hesitant-if not full out reluctant. Scared that the water may be too cold and too deep for him, Little Penguin stays to the side. There, in the safe snow, Little Penguin stands and watches while his friends have fun playing in the water. Still, Little Penguin yearns to be out there playing with the rest of his friends. But is his desire to play with his friends strong enough to overcome his fear of the water? And if the tale itself was not charming enough, readers will delight at the pop-up surprise at the end of the story.

The fun story, the beautifully drawn illustrations, the shiny touches to the illustrations, the pop-up surprise . . . there are far too many reasons to read In with a Splash. Besides, there are penguins in the story, and everyone knows that penguins make everything more fun!