Sometimes friendship means diving into trouble!
Well, this was a treat through my letterbox last week! I've already told myself that I won't put in lots of diving or water-related puns, but there are so many that made me laugh in my head as I started planning this review. However, I'm pretty certain it'll only be me laughing!
Anyway... let's dive in! OK, just one!
I was interested in this book from the moment I heard Tom Daley was dipping his toes into children's fiction (I'm so sorry - it's too tempting!) I was especially interested when I heard it would be written with Simon James Green as I have loved so many of his books. 'Llama Glamarama' was a firm favourite with my Year 3 class last year and I loved 'Alex in Wonderland'. I also always have a child in my current class reading 'Life of Riley: Beginner's Luck'. Knowing I liked his writing style, this was a book I always knew I would pick up at some point. It was a lovely surprise to receive it in the post last week.
Here is the synopsis:
Jack wants to impress his diving-coach dad... There's just one problem: Jack is the worst diver in the worst diving team in Damp Bottom, England.
Luckily, when a new kid starts at school with awesome swimming skills and an eagerness to share diving tips, Jack's luck might be about to change.
But when Jack's new friend gets into trouble - and the fate of a secret world hangs in the balance - it's up to Jack and the rest of his diving crew to save the day. As Jack is about to discover, lifting trophies isn't all that...
Because being part of a team feels a lot like winning, and friendship might just last forever.
I read this book pretty quickly. It's definitely an easy read when it comes to getting into it and having the urge to read on. I loved the message of perseverance and having a more positive mindset when facing challenges. It's something that will resonate with many children as they grow and face their own obstacles. As a teacher, I'm a sucker for a group of children who work hard for something, so the AquaDucks were very easy to cheer for!
I premise of the story was great; it brought together a real, relatable issue for children and a sense of adventure. I think it's that combination that will keep children reading this book. I think Tom Daley and Simon James Green have paired together well with this story idea and its writing. Fans of Tom will love the subject and it has the great writing I've come to expect from Simon. This book will definitely be making its way onto my classroom bookshelf. Whenever I show off a new book being added to my personal bookcase, it doesn't often stay on there for very long. In fact, it usually results in me having to create a list for the queue of children wanting to read it when a new book appears.
I also have to make a special mention of the amazing illustrations inside this book and on the cover by Luna Valentine. I love illustrations like this. Children in my class will often try to draw or recreate the drawings in their books so this one will be a hit with them. Despite being an adult, I still love a book with illustrations dotted throughout.
Overall:
- I think this is a fin-tastic book!
- It really makes a splash!
- This book is too pool for school!
- I had a splashing good time reading this!
- It would be poolish of you not to read this book!
- It's pretty swimpressive!
There, all out of my system!
So... water you waiting for? Go and read Jack Splash😜
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