The Big Splash

by Angela Ahn Narrated by Vicki Kim

Overview

Julia and her swim team struggle with a new strict coach, but she is determined to make a big splash regardless in this buoyant chapter book for ages 7 and up. For fans of Mindy Kim and Jasmine Toguchi.

Julia is dismayed to learn that Coach Marissa has to leave the Vipers swim team for an urgent family matter. Coach Nathan, their new temporary coach, is strict and humorless. He doesn't even let them have Splash Time! And it's not just Julia who's upset - two of her teammates have even quit the team. So it's no surprise that the team is not enthusiastic when Coach Nathan asks them to put together a car wash fundraiser for the team.

But then they learn that there's going to be a big increase in pool rental fees, which means the Vipers may lose practice days, or worse, not be able to swim at all. Julia takes the lead and gets the Vipers organized. Along the way, she learns more about her nemesis, teammate Olivia, and even Coach Nathan. Maybe first impressions aren't always the most accurate.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

One of CBC Books' 20 Canadian children's books to read this summer (2025)

PRAISE FOR The Big Spash:

"This must-have addition to the series continues the journey of an endearing protagonist who authentically illuminates a variety of coming-of-age lessons." —STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal

"An authentic, funny, and endearing series addition, with big splashes of fun." —Kirkus Reviews

"Black-and-white illustrations help bring the swim team, coach drama, and friend dynamics to life. A lighthearted story that challenges readers to look deeper and see what’s beneath the surface." —The Horn Book

Kirkus Reviews

2024-11-09
When Julia’s swim coach is suddenly called away, the team must adjust to a strict substitute.

Things have improved for Julia since we last saw her inSwimming Into Trouble (2024). She’s adjusting to her new haircut, and she’s been medically cleared to rejoin her team, the Vipers, at the Mountainview Community Center. (The first installment saw her dealing with an ear infection.) The excitement is short-lived, though, when Coach Marissa introduces a temporary replacement before abruptly leaving due to a family emergency. Coach Nathan’s a harsh taskmaster, and he gets rid of Splash Time, the five minutes of fun that usually follow each practice. Two teammates quit, and the challenges don’t stop there—the team must quickly hold a car wash to cover a sudden jump in fees. Julia slowly realizes that Coach Nathan’s stern exterior belies his own uncertainties about his lack of experience. Meanwhile, the fundraiser’s tight timeline leads to new friendships, a situation that causes tensions with her BFF, Maricel. Gently infused with humor, Ahn’s narrative deftly balances Julia’s struggles with promoting the car wash while navigating shifting friendships and learning that first impressions can be deceiving. Kim’s comically expressive illustrations interspersed throughout add to the emotional journey. Physical descriptors are minimal, but Julia is Korean Canadian, and her community appears diverse in the artwork.

An authentic, funny, and endearing series addition, with big splashes of fun.(Fiction. 7-10)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191291147
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	02/11/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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