Pablo and Splash: the hilarious kids' graphic novel

Although she's a penguin, Splash is finding the Antarctic a bit chilly. Her friend, Pablo, believes they live in a blissful utopia and can't understand what she is unhappy about. However, being a really good friend, he agrees to help plan a luxury holiday in the sun. But everywhere is krilly far away, they can't fly, it's too far to swim… how will they get there?

After falling down a hole in the ice, the penguin pals find themselves captured by Professor O'Brain. Whilst trying to escape, they find themselves inside Time Bender, a time-machine which takes them to a beach…in the Cretaceous period. With dinosaurs everywhere and a damaged Time Bender, will they ever make it home?

There is so much to love about Pablo and Splash! that it'’s hard to know where to start! I absolutely adore Splash whose curious, slightly impetuous nature reminds me strongly of someone I know! She is perfectly tempered by Pablo, who is more cautious and very sensible (who doesn't love a list!), making them an excellent pair! Children are sure to see themselves in one or the other - or perhaps as a mixture of the two - and will love the warmth of their friendship.

The illustrations are joyful, encouraging the skills of interpreting and analysing images to develop understanding as well as adding to the humour. There are many spreads which would lend themselves to being explored with a class to investigate emotions, develop scene setting, consider how to develop reporting clauses - all without destroying enjoyment of the original text! Although this might be perceived as an 'easy read', being very accessible and (obviously!) highly illustrated, Sheena Dempsey uses plenty of challenging vocabulary and puns.

Additional pages at the end of the book offers the reader information about the creatures that Pablo and Splash encounter and the time period they find themselves in, as well as well as an explanation about why penguins huddle and the Southern Lights. There are also some absolutely and completely true facts from Pablo and Splash as well as instructions for how to draw them - even I can do it!

Impossible to resist, Pablo and Splash is a brilliant book, sure to quickly become a favourite in school and out! I can't wait to read the next one.

240 pages / Ages 6+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

A hilarious comic novel which will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Pablo and Splash is a laugh-out-loud tale about two penguins. One penguin wants a change as he is feed up with the cold. This leads to an amazing, out-of-this world time travelling adventure.

I loved the way the story was told, sometimes just using the pictures and at other times with dialogue. The penguins are soooo funny. I would love to meet them. A perfect book for children who are just moving onto reading chapter books independently. A fabulous book for a Year 2-4 (ages 7-9) class bookshelf. This book would also work for children who have come late to reading, for example 10 and up.

240 pages / Reviewed by Jen Bevan

Suggested Reading Age 7+