A Splash of Joy: Discovering Turtle Splash!: Countdown at the Pond
As I nestled between my two kiddos for our nightly reading ritual, I found myself in a familiar tug-of-war: the kids wanted giggles, and I craved a moment of peace. Little did I know that Turtle Splash!: Countdown at the Pond, written by the talented Cathryn Falwell, would give us both. The soft rhythm of the story, combined with the delightful task of counting timid turtles, transformed our usual chaos into a sweet dive into calmness.
In this charming counting book, ten turtles bask in the sun before they make a quick plunge into the pond, one by one. Along the way, we meet a lively bullfrog, a curious rabbit, and a host of other creatures, each adding to the rich tapestry of pond life. My children, aged three and five, were instantly engaged. The blend of counting and vivid animal interaction sparked their curiosity, prompting frequent questions like, “Why do the turtles jump?” or “Where do we see frogs by our house?”
The artwork in Turtle Splash! deserves a special mention. Each page is adorned with colorful, vibrant illustrations that draw little eyes in, making it visually stunning. My son was especially fascinated by the detail in the turtles’ shells and couldn’t resist pointing them out. “Look at their colors, Mom! Are they real?” Seeing him so captivated reminded me of how much joy greenery and nature can bring, even if it’s just on the pages of a book.
What truly made our reading special was the natural rhythm of the story. The rhymes flowed easily, making it a pleasure to read aloud. My daughter chimed in on her favorite line about the splashing turtles, mimicking the sound with gleeful enthusiasm. There was a moment when, after the final turtle dived into the water, both kids erupted into a chorus of “Splash!” as if they were really there at the pond—an adorable scene that made me chuckle!
Turtle Splash! also instigated a lovely conversation about the world outside our window. It’s easy to drift into routines and forget about the well of wonder surrounding us. This book acted as a tiny window to nature, prompting us to explore our own neighborhood pond the next day. A simple story about counting had transformed into an adventurous explorative lesson.
Who would I recommend this book to? Absolutely every parent of a preschooler! Whether your child is enthusiastic about animals or just enjoys a good story, Turtle Splash! is perfect for ages 1 to 3 and even holds the attention of slightly older kids with its trials of simple mathematics and storytelling. This sweet read is not just a one-off for us—it’s a new family favorite that will likely see regular circulation on our bookshelf.
Reading Turtle Splash! together became a delightful memory for our family—turning a simple bedtime routine into a moment of laughter, exploration, and togetherness. With cozy nights ahead, I can’t wait to dive back into the pages of this enchanting book with my little ones.
