Splat!: Starring the Vole Brothers

by Roslyn Schwartz (Illustrator)

Those rascally rodents, the Vole Brothers, are on their next adventure — or misadventure — in Splat! In signature cinematic style, one half of the loveable bickering duo finds himself at the mercy of a flying pigeon as it flap, flap, flaps by and then drops in, literally with a splat! Readers will want to keep their heads covered as more and more splats start flying far and wide in this mischievous, universally funny story about keeping your eye on the sky . . . and on your up-to-no-good sibling. Nearly wordless and told entirely through sight-gags and sound effects, this easy-to-read adventure leaves children and parents with cheeks and stomachs sore from guffaws and chuckles at every single reading.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Humor, Childrens, Birds

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 11, 2014

About the author

Although born in Montreal, Roslyn Schwartz moved with her family to England when she was two years old. She grew up in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Roslyn and her two brothers attended a Rudolph Steiner school in Sussex. She remembers it as a lovely area, close to Ashdown Forest, the home of Winnie the Pooh (though she didn't know it at the time). Growing up, Roslyn always read a lot; among her favorite books were Alice in Wonderland, Little Women, and the various adventures of Rupert Bear and Tintin.

Roslyn has written and illustrated a series of books for the very young following the adventures of the Mole Sisters. These stories found their inspiration from various elements throughout Roslyn’s life. The first time she ever saw a mole was on the way back from school. It was lying on its side, perfectly shaped and beautiful, but unfortunately quite dead. Riveted by the tiny creature, she carried it home in her sandwich bag. Over the years, Roslyn has always kept a pet rodent or two, in the form of guinea pigs and a rabbit.

The Mole Sisters series has become a favorite of children and parents. The Mole Sisters’ positive approach to life and unrelenting optimism appeals to all ages. The series now includes ten titles—including two new adventures, The Mole Sisters and the Fairy Ring and The Mole Sisters and the Way Home (2003)—as well as the Mole Sister finger puppets, which have brought their charm off the pages and to fingers everywhere. And watch for the new Mole Sisters television series on Treehouse TV!

Yo Baby! (2002) is yet another imaginative picture book written and illustrated by Roslyn. In addition to this book and the Mole Sisters, Roslyn has published three previous books and has released two animated films with the National Film Board of Canada, one of which, Arkelope, is for children.

Roslyn lives in Montreal.

Reviews

[Miss Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can understand why parents might not like this book, but I simply found it funny and I know kids would love it. This is the perfect amount of gross out humor without being too gross!

[Julia Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read and a silly picture book for kids.

[Taija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud, hilarious!

[annalee ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, they just throw poop at each other for the whole thing, so not super entertaining.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book.

[Arielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd. Kinda gross. About a bird pooping on the main characters and the main characters,in turn, throw poop at each other. So topic might be less than positive.

The onomatopoeia filled book provided fun vocals the reader could do. There are no real words in this book. Only sounds.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As they stroll along the road, the Vole Brothers are surprised by a pigeon dropping that lands on one brother's head. When his sibling pokes fun at him, the two engage in a pigeon dropping slinging contest that has unexpected results. Young readers will enjoy the book's humor and the ink and pencil crayon illustrations that are filled with plenty of action. As readers look at the book's pages, they can see what is about to happen in many cases.

[Erma Talamante · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny story about two brothers, a bird, and the dreaded white stuff that falls from the sky. Not many words, more just sound effects, this book encourages telling the story and pointing out cause and effect. A slippery end to this story leaves the readers in giggles as the Vole Brothers come up with a solution to their problem.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This easy to read story stars the Vole Brothers. They go for a walk and one of them gets a surprise in the form of bird droppings. The pictures tell the story and the words are very simple to read. Young readers will find this silly story fun.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slapstick in a children's book! Kids will love that the voles are throwing poop around while parents will say ewwww. This book relies on the expressive noises made by the voles so storytellers should warm up!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poo jokes are always funny. Just needs the right audience. Lots of fun sounds. Limited text.

[Karen Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can just hear the little boy giggles from this book. Must read it to my grandsons.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has words, but they're more like sound effects.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and the three years at storytime loved it

[Brindi Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

essentially wordless, just a bunch of sounds and bird poop

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vole brothers encounter trouble when a passing pigeon drops a splat on them.
With activity
http://owlkidsbooks.com/ResourcesActi...

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not a lot of text in this book so a younger audience should be able to follow it. I found the book hilarious! Two voles get pooped on! What could be better!

[Thehiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids especially boys will love this easy reader, but parents and teachers may go ugh. This would be ideal for a reluctant reader.

[Mr. George The Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

plot line is throwing bird poop....EWWWW!

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pop flinging between bird and vole. Reads like an old mostly silent cartoon. Ink, pencil and crayon artwork. PreK-2.

[Michelle Nero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmm...interesting.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a silly picture book about bird poop. of course Brayden loved it!

[Amelia Halgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most redeeming quality of this book is that my kids enjoyed it and wanted to read it on their own. The simple text means this book lends itself to being a good choice for emergent readers.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one cracked Lil Dude up. Be cautious when looking up!

[ScrappyDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

My almost 6 year old son loved it; he thought it was so funny =)