Splatt: A Single Drop that Changed an Ocean

by Daniel Groenewald

Splatt could not have imagined that a simple quest to find colour would reveal its true essence!

Splatt, an adolescent water drop, lives in Sea Drop Village on the ocean floor at a depth where water has absorbed all colours of light spectrum, and everything appears grey.

He is curious and somewhat rebellious; and struggles to blindly accept the authoritarian dogma he is taught - from the dangers of entering the open ocean, to a required unyielding reverence to Thunder God his creator, and finally the threat of death by painful evaporation should he rise to the surface. But most of all he refuses to accept that colour does not exist.

Splatt becomes preoccupied with the fabled Colourland and convinces his girlfriend Lara to set out under the cover of darkness to find it. But only meters into their quest they get separated by strong currents and carried in opposite directions. Both know the only way to reunite is to find Colourland. But the ocean is vast and home to diverse Drop Species that are often hostile. Success seems increasingly unlikely and at times impossible. The Question is colour found in the journey, the destination, or beyond?

“An inspiring tale of a troubled underwater world with clear metaphors for real-world divisions.” – Kirkus

276 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

From the author of The Lesser Spotted Addict comes a new novel that continues the empowering message: …the cornerstone in pursuit of truth is questioning mainstream doctrine.

SPLATT is a fun read with a profound message. It underscores the perils of blindly accepting dogma and the freedom that follows when truth is uncovered.

Reviews

[Michelle Kimber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written and imaginative read that reminds me a bit of Finding Nemo. It's cute while also being inspiring. Stay true to your dreams. I hope to read more by this author, as his writing style was solid.


A Goodreads giveaway ARC.

[Jenni DaVinCat · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book sounded really interesting to me, which was why I entered the giveaway and I promise that I gave it the ol' college try but I just couldn't deal with the style. I will often try to push through a book that I'm not enjoying because I hate to DNF, but this year if a book is just not appealing to me after 100 pages then I'm going to DNF.

The introduction indicates that the book was adapted from a screenplay, but retained some of the attributes that a screenplay would have like camera direction. There was something about this hybrid novel/screenplay writing that didn't appeal to me. I found it hard to read, to visualize and to connect to.

Maybe if it had leaned fully into the screenplay style, I would have been able to stick with it but as it is, I really just couldn't do it. It was an interesting concept and as other reviews have indicated, probably does have a lot of symbolism to it. I can see how this might be appealing to others, but again, the style...it just prevented me from being able to connect with it at all and that's such an important thing to me with a book.

So...unfortunately, this is not something that I can say that I enjoyed.

[Andri Coetzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splatt by Daniel Groenewald is a true masterpiece that will captivate your heart and transport you to a magical world. This book is a rare gem that seamlessly weaves together lighthearted and fun moments with profound depth and meaning.

From the onset, I was enchanted by the author's unique voice, imaginative storytelling, and vivid world-building. The characters are multidimensional and relatable, making it effortless to become invested in their journeys.

What resonated with me most is the author's ability to tackle complex themes with sensitivity, wit, and nuance. Daniel possesses a raw talent that is commendable, and their writing is infused with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and passion.

I highly recommend Splatt to every book lover. Do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this incredible story. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and perhaps even transformed.

Bravo, Daniel Groenewald! I eagerly await your future works.

[Lance Goliath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. Daniel Groenewald has written the next hit animation film here, in my humble opinion as a parent of young children. It's as though he's packaged it ready to be snatched up by any of the big animation studios like Disney Pixar or Dreamworks. From its script format style to the whirlwind adventure as experienced from the point-of-view of a young water droplet and ultimately the emergence of an unlikely hero–who has challenged the norms of society by allowing his personal experience to shape his beliefs–it seems to tick every box for a blockbuster adaptation.

Splatt's defiant courage inspires change and inclusivity and I believe it will touch a very broad audience. I'm looking forward to seeing the animated film with my family when it comes out.

[Jeani Groenewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”, “Splatt” serves as a powerful tool to educate and create awareness surrounding the pitfalls of rigid religious beliefs. Furthermore, it comments on the obsolescence of stifling societal regulations.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will close this book with a smile on your face. Splatt challenges all that he is taught in pursuit of his own truth. So many lessons are cleverly woven into this tale of his journey that inspires change for many others. We all need to be more like Splatt. This book is an absolute gem!

[Jeremy O'Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this book shortly after it was launched. What a fun yet engaging message about real life issues. This world is like a dynamo, and this book very cleverly hones in on a very simple message - without a doubt a must read!

[Maria Futch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into the book the style just wasn’t for me although the book sounded rather interesting.

[Lisa Horne]

I DNFd.
Reads like the screenplay was written by a 10 year old for a toddler

[Kaari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway. I really tried to give it a shot and was even looking for deeper hidden meanings but it just didn’t do it for me.