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Splish
In this hilarious picture book from the author of Giraffe Is Too Tall For This Book, a clever fish learns to outsmart their predators and wiggle their way out of tricky situations. This new instant favorite is a charming, unexpected, and hilarious adventure tale for readers ages 3-7.
Meet a determined, loveable fish who can’t seem to keep themself from getting in trouble! Here, Splish sets off on a quest for a delicious meal in their vibrant underwater world. Follow along as they flip, wiggle, and splash away from dangerous situations –both expected and unexpected—that lurk above and below the surface…
Kids ages 3-7 will cheer for this wily and resourceful fish in this action-packed picture book. Full of twists and turns and interactive elements, here’s a story that will entertain young readers seeking a title that will keep them on the edges of their seats.
Meet a determined, loveable fish who can’t seem to keep themself from getting in trouble! Here, Splish sets off on a quest for a delicious meal in their vibrant underwater world. Follow along as they flip, wiggle, and splash away from dangerous situations –both expected and unexpected—that lurk above and below the surface…
Kids ages 3-7 will cheer for this wily and resourceful fish in this action-packed picture book. Full of twists and turns and interactive elements, here’s a story that will entertain young readers seeking a title that will keep them on the edges of their seats.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: Splish by DK Ryland
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
Splish is such a cute, energetic little picture book! The cover immediately caught my attention with its bright, playful design, and the colorful illustrations throughout are just as fun. This would be a lovely addition to a child’s bookshelf or library.
The story follows Splish, a determined fish who is simply trying to find a tasty meal—but trouble seems to be waiting everywhere. As Splish explores the lively underwater world, they have to flip, wiggle, and splash their way away from various predators and unexpected dangers. Thankfully, Splish is clever and resourceful, using quick thinking to escape one tricky situation after another.
I enjoyed the silly twists. The interactive elements make the story especially engaging for younger readers, who will probably have fun cheering Splish on and joining in with the fish’s frantic underwater adventures. It has a playful, slightly chaotic feel that should appeal to kids ages 3–7.
While I didn’t completely fall in love with every part of the story, I thought it was charming, funny, and visually appealing overall. A fun choice for little readers who enjoy expressive artwork, surprises, and a main character who is always one wiggle away from getting out of trouble.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
Splish is such a cute, energetic little picture book! The cover immediately caught my attention with its bright, playful design, and the colorful illustrations throughout are just as fun. This would be a lovely addition to a child’s bookshelf or library.
The story follows Splish, a determined fish who is simply trying to find a tasty meal—but trouble seems to be waiting everywhere. As Splish explores the lively underwater world, they have to flip, wiggle, and splash their way away from various predators and unexpected dangers. Thankfully, Splish is clever and resourceful, using quick thinking to escape one tricky situation after another.
I enjoyed the silly twists. The interactive elements make the story especially engaging for younger readers, who will probably have fun cheering Splish on and joining in with the fish’s frantic underwater adventures. It has a playful, slightly chaotic feel that should appeal to kids ages 3–7.
While I didn’t completely fall in love with every part of the story, I thought it was charming, funny, and visually appealing overall. A fun choice for little readers who enjoy expressive artwork, surprises, and a main character who is always one wiggle away from getting out of trouble.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
October 8, 2026
won this in a goodreads giveaway - it's so cutie! my kids love it
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A story like DK Ryland’s Splish is one that really becomes a favorite for that specific kid who finds it in the store or at the library and just really likes fish. It’ll be a nostalgic read for this kid as they grow older, one they’ll find later in life and remember how much they loved it—the fish is funny, the colors are engaging and beautiful, and the illustrations are cute. But this also isn’t the sort of children’s book that I’d pick up in the store and think, “oh, how great this would be for my kids, my students, or my niblings.”
Instead, it’s the kind of book I’d put back on the shelf and really only take home if a child I was shopping with insisted that they wanted it.
Basically, what this leads me to is that there’s nothing truly bad about Splish, but nothing about it really stands out to me as worthwhile. I don’t think it really teaches much, which is usually what I’m looking for with children’s books. There’s some entertainment value, but the same can be said for a lot of books that accomplish more of what I would want from a children’s book. The story simply follows the experience of a fish who spends nearly the entire book escaping dangerous situations where someone wants to eat him. It’s cute. But that’s about it.
So, for the kids in your life who just really, really love fish and might enjoy a small laugh—this could be a great one to pick up. Barring that, I’ll personally be grabbing something else.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Instead, it’s the kind of book I’d put back on the shelf and really only take home if a child I was shopping with insisted that they wanted it.
Basically, what this leads me to is that there’s nothing truly bad about Splish, but nothing about it really stands out to me as worthwhile. I don’t think it really teaches much, which is usually what I’m looking for with children’s books. There’s some entertainment value, but the same can be said for a lot of books that accomplish more of what I would want from a children’s book. The story simply follows the experience of a fish who spends nearly the entire book escaping dangerous situations where someone wants to eat him. It’s cute. But that’s about it.
So, for the kids in your life who just really, really love fish and might enjoy a small laugh—this could be a great one to pick up. Barring that, I’ll personally be grabbing something else.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Splish! by D.K. Ryland is a joyful, high-energy picture book that absolutely earns five stars. From the very first page, the playful, rhythmic text pulls readers into a world of water, movement, and pure fun. The sound words and lively pacing make it especially perfect for read-alouds—kids will love joining in with the “splish,” “splash,” and all the delightful noise along the way.
The illustrations are bright, expressive, and full of motion, perfectly matching the upbeat tone of the story. Each page feels dynamic and engaging, giving young readers plenty to look at while keeping the story moving at an exciting pace.
What really makes Splish! shine is its ability to turn a simple concept into an interactive experience. It encourages participation, imagination, and joy, making it a book children will want to revisit again and again.
Overall, Splish! is a vibrant, fun-filled read that brings energy and laughter to storytime—a fantastic addition to any picture book collection.
The illustrations are bright, expressive, and full of motion, perfectly matching the upbeat tone of the story. Each page feels dynamic and engaging, giving young readers plenty to look at while keeping the story moving at an exciting pace.
What really makes Splish! shine is its ability to turn a simple concept into an interactive experience. It encourages participation, imagination, and joy, making it a book children will want to revisit again and again.
Overall, Splish! is a vibrant, fun-filled read that brings energy and laughter to storytime—a fantastic addition to any picture book collection.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is such a delight from start to finish. Splish is clever, playful, and pure fun, the kind of story that instantly pulls kids in and keeps them laughing. It is perfect for reading aloud, with a rhythm and silliness that make kids giggle and want to hear it again right away.
The language is simple but smart, and the humor really lands with young listeners. You can tell it was written with children in mind, especially those moments when they love to shout, laugh, and join in. It feels like the kind of book that quickly becomes part of the bedtime routine or story time favorite stack.
This is absolutely one of those books kids ask for again and again. It is joyful, engaging, and just plain fun. A guaranteed hit for little readers and the grown ups reading along. Easily FIVE stars.
★★★★★
www.pinkstinx.blogspot.com
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
The language is simple but smart, and the humor really lands with young listeners. You can tell it was written with children in mind, especially those moments when they love to shout, laugh, and join in. It feels like the kind of book that quickly becomes part of the bedtime routine or story time favorite stack.
This is absolutely one of those books kids ask for again and again. It is joyful, engaging, and just plain fun. A guaranteed hit for little readers and the grown ups reading along. Easily FIVE stars.
★★★★★
www.pinkstinx.blogspot.com
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Splish" is a silly, brightly colored children's book following the many misadventures of Splish, the fish. The text is simple yet smile induing and I can just imagine all the voice intonations you could use while reading it out loud. As a preschool teacher, I know my group of 4-year-olds would absolutely love that mischievous, little trick at the end.
As for the illustrations, they were very bright and I noticed the human characters had very clear facial expressions which could create great discussions with children. I'm also a fan of artwork that involves turning the book vertically, it always brings a little fun to a book.
All in all, this is a children's book I will be looking for to add to my classroom collection.
Thank you, Astra Publishing House, for the advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
As for the illustrations, they were very bright and I noticed the human characters had very clear facial expressions which could create great discussions with children. I'm also a fan of artwork that involves turning the book vertically, it always brings a little fun to a book.
All in all, this is a children's book I will be looking for to add to my classroom collection.
Thank you, Astra Publishing House, for the advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Astra Young Readers/ Astra Publishing House and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
This was utterly hilarious and so much fun to read. Following a fish called Splish, we don’t know what type of fish he is but we follow as he goes on a sea adventure.
I loved how perfectly the illustrations and the writing were tied, when Splish was doing a motion and how writing went round the illustrations, it captured it all so perfectly. I had a great time reading it, it was hilarious and so much fun and even had a few unexpected twists. But we still don’t know what type of fish Splish is. Young readers are going to be giggling reading this and having such a great fun time.
This was utterly hilarious and so much fun to read. Following a fish called Splish, we don’t know what type of fish he is but we follow as he goes on a sea adventure.
I loved how perfectly the illustrations and the writing were tied, when Splish was doing a motion and how writing went round the illustrations, it captured it all so perfectly. I had a great time reading it, it was hilarious and so much fun and even had a few unexpected twists. But we still don’t know what type of fish Splish is. Young readers are going to be giggling reading this and having such a great fun time.
October 6, 2026
Splish by DK Ryland is a bright and fun picture book for young readers aged 3-7. Children will love Splish, who is always ready for any new adventure. She seems to “zip” from one slippery situation to another, but through her cleverness, she escapes time after time. It’s the perfect story for reading aloud, with playful phrases, a rhythmic pace, and pure silly fun.
The digitally-produced illustrations are bright, colorful, and flowing, perfectly mimicking the movement of swimming and splish-splashing!
This 40-page book presents the opportunity to stir a young child’s imagination and to spark a learning experience about problem solving. The language is catchy and certain to produce some giggles in the listeners. I can see this book as a regular “read again” request.
The digitally-produced illustrations are bright, colorful, and flowing, perfectly mimicking the movement of swimming and splish-splashing!
This 40-page book presents the opportunity to stir a young child’s imagination and to spark a learning experience about problem solving. The language is catchy and certain to produce some giggles in the listeners. I can see this book as a regular “read again” request.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I’m always on the lookout for new ocean books, and the cover is super cute. It’s about a little fish named Splish who keeps finding herself in trouble - caught by a fisherman, swallowed by a pelican, chased by a shark…but she always manages to find a way back to safety. The pictures are really bright and inviting, and I think this could work equally well with toddlers or preschoolers. The kids will have fun with the “zigs and zags and ziggety zags” repetitions, and there’s a cute twist at the end that the parents will also appreciate.
[slow Friday = picture book reviewing marathon!]
[slow Friday = picture book reviewing marathon!]
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What kind of fish is Splish? This book takes you through Splish’s adventures for the day and how he gets into and out of trouble. I liked the alliteration of the text. It makes it flow well. I admired how the author used the same beginning and ending text. The pictures are colorful, with Splish blending into his world. They foreshadow what is going to happen next. The mom in me is worried about the little boy with one of his legs hanging out of the boat (he might fall in.) I could see my students wondering about that too. It’s also not a necessary part of the book.
Recommended for PreK-1st grade. Good book to use as an example of alliteration, it has a fun story.
Recommended for PreK-1st grade. Good book to use as an example of alliteration, it has a fun story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE BOOK ASKS “WHAT KIND OF FISH IS SPLISH?” and then we learn that he is a fish that is ready for adventures!
What a day, first he gets hooked by a fisherman and manages to free himself, then a pelican snaps him! He keeps wiggling and flipping and gets released back into the water!
Splish has several more adventures before the day is done.
I think the graphics are cute and the story is funny. I think this would work best with a 4 or 5 year old that would understand that this is just a fairy tale and doesn’t occur in real life.
I received an ARC of this children’s book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2026
A delightful story with rhythmic, alliterative language that carries the reader through an action-packed fish adventure. Would be a great book for fish/coastal fans, or anyone who enjoys a cute creature escapade. The fast-action, twists, and turns are brought to life by vibrant and playful illustrations. I particularly enjoyed the spreads that shifted orientation... makes the reader feel like they're along for the ride with Splish! And such a charming ending. I love this one for a repeat bedtime book, as it has a rhythm kids will gravitate toward, a dynamic and exciting story arc, but is also a quick and satisfying read. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DK Ryland put together a delightful children's story. The dedication, in its brevity, grabbed me, so I interrupted my start to reading this to look her up on Instagram. Thus, when I returned, I believed two of her characters to be her husband and one of her sons, but I'm not sure. Anyway I love the memorable, "catchy" way she wrote this. It gets 5 stars from me because not only does Splish never get snatched up by anyone, but triumphs ironically and humorously at the end.
Thank you to Netgalley, the fabulous Astra Publishing House, and DK Ryland for the advanced digital copy for review.
Thank you to Netgalley, the fabulous Astra Publishing House, and DK Ryland for the advanced digital copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Splish the fish goes looking for a meal, but has to escape predator after predator. In the end, the fish gets what it wants, and the book ends on a humorous note. This book will be fun for kids who especially like fish, or who enjoy chase stories. However, I didn't find this story especially funny or memorable, and sensitive kids may find the story troubling, since there's such a strong emphasis on Splish needing to evade predators.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Netgalley for our arc copy.
My daughter and I were laughing the whole way through.
We were scared at the shark then turned the page and giggled, we were yelling, and smiling throughout. With the large font, colourful illustrations, simple story this will definitely be a re-read for us. We finished the and we said what a silly story and giggled and had to read it again. Highly recommend for the little ones.
My daughter and I were laughing the whole way through.
We were scared at the shark then turned the page and giggled, we were yelling, and smiling throughout. With the large font, colourful illustrations, simple story this will definitely be a re-read for us. We finished the and we said what a silly story and giggled and had to read it again. Highly recommend for the little ones.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Splish is about a little fish on the move, who sometimes ends up in some dicey situations, but adapts to get through. The story includes lots of fun action words that little readers will enjoy. The illustrations are very cute and colorful. They show the action of the story very well. I would definitely recommend this for younger kiddos as a read aloud or for early readers.
Thanks to Astra Young Readers and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Astra Young Readers and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Splish by D.K. Ryland is a simple but cute little story that will keep young ones on their toes. Splish is an adorable little fish who gets into all sorts of misadventures as they look for a snack.
The illustrations are so cute and colorful, sure to keep any kid's eye. And the story will keep their attention as they hear about Splish's wriggly adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
The illustrations are so cute and colorful, sure to keep any kid's eye. And the story will keep their attention as they hear about Splish's wriggly adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My kids loved Splish! They had a great time watching this clever little fish find creative ways out of every tricky situation. The story is playful, funny, and kept them excited to see what would happen next.
The bright, engaging illustrations brought the underwater adventure to life and gave us plenty to look at on every page. Splish is a fun read-aloud that had my kids laughing and cheering along.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy.
The bright, engaging illustrations brought the underwater adventure to life and gave us plenty to look at on every page. Splish is a fun read-aloud that had my kids laughing and cheering along.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and thank you for giving me an opportunity to read this book!
Such an adorable story of a brave fish, Splish. Life brings us many challenges and unexpected situations. But Splish is ready for anything that life brings!
An awesome inspiration for young readers. Colorful and fun illustrations.
A funny, silly, and thought-provoking read for any reader!
Such an adorable story of a brave fish, Splish. Life brings us many challenges and unexpected situations. But Splish is ready for anything that life brings!
An awesome inspiration for young readers. Colorful and fun illustrations.
A funny, silly, and thought-provoking read for any reader!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Astra Publishing House for providing me with an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.
This was a funny book about a clever and resourceful fish. The fish gets captured by a fishhook, pelican, and nearly a shark, so it may be frightening for some younger readers. It was in a silly way, though. I do have to admit, I'd still like to know what actual kind of fish Splish is, though (if you've read the book, you'll understand.)...
This was a funny book about a clever and resourceful fish. The fish gets captured by a fishhook, pelican, and nearly a shark, so it may be frightening for some younger readers. It was in a silly way, though. I do have to admit, I'd still like to know what actual kind of fish Splish is, though (if you've read the book, you'll understand.)...
September 19, 2026
What a fun, joyful, hilarious romp of a story. Splish the fish is in the mood for a meal, but she might just end up on the menu. Kids will laugh out loud as Splish zigs and zags to avoid all the hungry mouths hoping to eat her. The language is adorable, the adventure is delightful, and the ending is wonderfully surprising. This fishy tale will be a favorite on any shelf that is sure to be read time and time again.
September 22, 2026
Super cute, super silly, and so much fun!
Splish is a wonderfully playful little character, and I loved following along as this clever fish wiggled out of one tricky situation after another.
The illustrations are bright, vibrant, and add so much to the whimsy of the story. And that ending! Such a funny, laugh-out-loud twist that kids are going to love. A really fun picture book for storytime and read-alouds!
Splish is a wonderfully playful little character, and I loved following along as this clever fish wiggled out of one tricky situation after another.
The illustrations are bright, vibrant, and add so much to the whimsy of the story. And that ending! Such a funny, laugh-out-loud twist that kids are going to love. A really fun picture book for storytime and read-alouds!
September 26, 2026
I received a copy of Splish thru a Goodreads Giveaway. Firstly, I laughed at the illustration of the character Splish who is a fish. The story illustrations are nicely done - I liked the color shades that were chosen. The text is the right amount for young children being read too or just learning to read. The story is of Splish the Fish's adventure over a short period of time and the ending made me laugh out loud. I recommend it as a fun book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 15 September 2026 - publication day!
I thought that this was a fun book to read!
The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand.
The illustrations in the book were great, they were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
I thought that this was a fun book to read!
The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand.
The illustrations in the book were great, they were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved this book! What kind of fish is splish? Splish is an every sort of fish! This book was really engaging and fun!
I will definitely be buying my daughter a physical copy when it is released!
I loved this book! What kind of fish is splish? Splish is an every sort of fish! This book was really engaging and fun!
I will definitely be buying my daughter a physical copy when it is released!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I was laughing aloud at this. 😂😂 The illustrations were so charming, and the story went in a direction I was not expecting. This would make the perfect read aloud.
I was laughing aloud at this. 😂😂 The illustrations were so charming, and the story went in a direction I was not expecting. This would make the perfect read aloud.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*A special thank you to Astra Publishing House and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.*
Splish is a really cute book about a clever, adventurous fish. I loved the fun story and the bright, engaging illustrations. Overall a great book and one I'm excited to share with my niece and nephews.
Splish is a really cute book about a clever, adventurous fish. I loved the fun story and the bright, engaging illustrations. Overall a great book and one I'm excited to share with my niece and nephews.
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September 15, 2026
A children's book that revolves around learning what type of fish Splish is, only to never find out what kind of fish he is. He wiggles, he waggles and he zips and zags, but what is he exactly? A silly story about a fish having a dangerous type of day with beautiful illustrations that captivate, Splish is a fun, entertaining book for the age group.
Thank you Astra House for the gifted copy.
Thank you Astra House for the gifted copy.
September 23, 2026
Splish is definitely my new favorite fish! D.K. Ryland does it again with a humorous and full-of-heart story that takes you on fun adventure following the cutest characters. This is a book kids will be asking to read over and over. Can we please get a Splish 2 that's about what he eats for dessert? :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun read-aloud and poor Splish just keeps getting into one pickle after another. We loved the ending and thought the illustrations were adorable. 5/5 stars from my kids!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews