Sergio Makes a Splash

Not only is this an outstanding book for youngsters who have yet to take to the water, it is undeniably one of the best picture books released this year. Sergio is an equal opportunity water lover. He drinks it, bathes in it, and ice skates on it. There is only one version of water he is opposed to - the really deep kind. Sergio is a penguin who can't swim. On a class trip to the ocean, he comes prepared with all the buoyant equipment you could think of (see the cover above). When Sergio's classmates all start jumping in, he's not quick to follow. With some convincing and some guts, Sergio takes the plunge and discovers what he's been missing. "Sergio Makes a Splash" incorporates a nice mix of storytelling methods. The first page contains a diagram to explain Sergio's physical characteristics. Symbols are used to represent what our hero dreams about at night (soccer, fish, and water). A traditional narrator explains the action, but characters speak in word bubbles. This variation keeps the interest high. The illustrations are outstanding. Unique and nice to look at. Let's hear about them from Edel Rodriguez himself: "The entire book is printed in three color Pantone inks which makes the colors really pop. I'm very happy with the way the printing turned out." Same here. The way splashing water is represented when Sergio comes up for air toward the end is notably inventive. White splattered paint explodes on the page (click on the Edel Rodriguez blog link below to see a number of images from the book). While he has illustrated children's books before, this is Mr. Rodriguez's first time wearing the author's hat as well. Impressive debut. "Sergio Makes a Splash" is a refreshing release.

Finally--a charming tale that doesn't involve abuelitas, tamales or pinatas. I publish The Latinidad List, an annual round-up of the best books by and/or for Latinos, and Sergio Makes a Splash by Edel Rodriguez is a standout among 2008's picture books. (To see the rest of the list, visit [...])

This is an adorable book with awesome illustrations and a great story. Will definitely boost your little one's confidence! My son loves it. Can't wait for Rodriguez's next book.

Watch out world! Sergio has arrived and he's ready for some fun! Sergio Makes a Splash! is a delightful story of a penguin who is afraid to swim in the ocean. Sergio is a very happy penguin who loves everything about water. He loves to swim in the bathtub, run around in the rain, play with the water sprinkler, and drink lots of water. Sergio loves everything about water, but only if it isn't deep. When Sergio's class goes on a field trip, the adorable little penguin is thrilled until he learns that the destination is the ocean. As the other penguins run to the cliff to jump into the ocean, Sergio is hesitant. Will he follow his friends and dive in? Author Edel Rodriguez has done a fantastic job of tackling a subject that many children face - fear of the unknown. Sergio admits to his teacher, "I'm scared." Mrs. Waddle, the teacher, gently explains that there is nothing to fear. Sergio's friends, too, join in the confidence building by telling the frightened penguin how wonderful the water is. I particularly enjoyed Rodriguez's illustrations, playful and bright. Children, too, will enjoy the suspense after Sergio finally jumps off the cliff and into the water. There are two pages of just ocean, sans penguin. What happened to Sergio? Is he okay? They'll certainly cheer as they turn the page to see Sergio pop out of the water, a huge smile on his face. Quill says: Sergio is a great confidence builder and a very fun story to boot.

Sergio loves water but not the deep kind. "When he's around water, Sergio can be: relaxed, happy, funny, playful and silly." Which makes sense because Sergio is a penguin from Argentina, down near the South Pole. His three favorite things are soccer, fish and water, especially water-but when his class goes swimming, Sergio is scared because he can't swim. Sergio's friends quickly hop in but Sergio holds back, despite having on his floaties. Finally Sergio jumps in "but his aim is a bit off." He bumps and rolls into the ocean and disappears. Mrs. Waddle and his friends wait-and finally Sergio pops to the surface. Sergio discovers he loves the ocean and can't wait to come back. "That was better than the rain, puddles, and a cold bath all put together," says Sergio. Edel Rodriguez wonderful illustrations work brilliantly with the charming text of Sergio Makes a Splash! The illustrations, created with oil-based woodblock ink, are printed in aqua, yellow and black, ensuring the colors pop and attract children's attention. The first illustration diagramming "Sergio" is especially captivating, pointing out his height (1 foot), weight (1 pound), his curious smile and perky "wings." The text is printed in large letters and some are included in the illustrations as dialogue bubbles. Sergio Makes a Splash! is perfect for children worried about trying something new, especially swimming. As Sergio says on the back cover, "This is a great book! It's all about me!" Children are sure to agree. Armchair Interviews also agrees.