Description
Julia and her swim team struggle with a new strict coach, but she is determined to make a big splash regardless in this buoyant illustrated 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.
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.
Review Quotes
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
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
Biographical note
ANGELA AHN is a former teacher and librarian. She is the author of several children's books. Peter Lee's Notes from the Field was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award and the OLA Silver Birch Award, among others, and was named an USBBY Outstanding International Book. She lives in Vancouver, BC, with her family.
JULIE KIM is an author and illustrator living in Seattle, USA. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, her illustrations have been featured in several children's books, including My Special Space and Mysterious Spinners. Her authorial debut, Where's Halmoni?, has received several starred reviews. Its sequel Where's Joon? was published in October 2023.
JULIE KIM is an author and illustrator living in Seattle, USA. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, her illustrations have been featured in several children's books, including My Special Space and Mysterious Spinners. Her authorial debut, Where's Halmoni?, has received several starred reviews. Its sequel Where's Joon? was published in October 2023.
