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Dash Makes a Splash
Every wave begins with one tiny drop.
Meet Dash, the tiniest droplet in the cloud. He wishes he were bigger, faster, and more like the other drops. But when his unexpected SPLASH creates a ripple, Dash begins to discover something even the tiniest drop can make waves.
Set against the wonder of the water cycle, Dash Makes a Splash is a heartwarming social-emotional learning (SEL) picture book about friendship, courage, belonging, and discovering your own worth.
As Dash travels from cloud to rain, lake, and back again, his journey through nature becomes a journey of his own – one that helps him realize he doesn't need to be bigger or different to matter. He belongs exactly as he is.
Young readers will
The importance of kindness, friendship, and inclusionThat everyone has value, worth, and a place where they belongThe courage to embrace what makes them uniqueHow small actions can create meaningful changeThe wonder of nature and the water cycle
With a gentle touch of science and STEM woven into Dash's adventure, and additional water cycle learning in the backmatter, this story is perfect for ages 4–8 at home, in classrooms, libraries, and counseling settings.
Meet Dash, the tiniest droplet in the cloud. He wishes he were bigger, faster, and more like the other drops. But when his unexpected SPLASH creates a ripple, Dash begins to discover something even the tiniest drop can make waves.
Set against the wonder of the water cycle, Dash Makes a Splash is a heartwarming social-emotional learning (SEL) picture book about friendship, courage, belonging, and discovering your own worth.
As Dash travels from cloud to rain, lake, and back again, his journey through nature becomes a journey of his own – one that helps him realize he doesn't need to be bigger or different to matter. He belongs exactly as he is.
Young readers will
The importance of kindness, friendship, and inclusionThat everyone has value, worth, and a place where they belongThe courage to embrace what makes them uniqueHow small actions can create meaningful changeThe wonder of nature and the water cycle
With a gentle touch of science and STEM woven into Dash's adventure, and additional water cycle learning in the backmatter, this story is perfect for ages 4–8 at home, in classrooms, libraries, and counseling settings.
31 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2026
About the author
Marissa Bader
6 books12 followersMarissa Bader is an award-winning children's book author based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who writes picture books that help children build confidence, kindness, courage, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Her social-emotional learning (SEL) stories are loved by families, teachers, school counselors, librarians, and homeschool educators for sparking meaningful conversations while helping children navigate big feelings and everyday challenges.
She is the author of The Only Me, Stella's Brave Voice, Petunia the Perfectionist, Saturdays with Gramps, and Dash Makes a Splash, each inspired by her three daughters and the real-life experiences that shape childhood.
In addition to writing children's books, Marissa has written about parenting, grief, and mental health, with work featured in Psychology Today, Lucie's List, Her View From Home, and more.
Visit www.MarissaBader.com to explore Marissa's books, download FREE printable activities, coloring pages, discussion guides, and social-emotional learning resources, and learn more about her author visits and school presentations.
Follow Marissa on Instagram: @MarissaBaderWriter
She is the author of The Only Me, Stella's Brave Voice, Petunia the Perfectionist, Saturdays with Gramps, and Dash Makes a Splash, each inspired by her three daughters and the real-life experiences that shape childhood.
In addition to writing children's books, Marissa has written about parenting, grief, and mental health, with work featured in Psychology Today, Lucie's List, Her View From Home, and more.
Visit www.MarissaBader.com to explore Marissa's books, download FREE printable activities, coloring pages, discussion guides, and social-emotional learning resources, and learn more about her author visits and school presentations.
Follow Marissa on Instagram: @MarissaBaderWriter
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 27, 2026
High in the sky there are large water droplets playing in the clouds. They’re having so much fun, but poor little droplet, Dash, can’t play because he is too small. So, he sits near the sidelines watching all the other water droplets playing and having the fun he only wishes he could have himself. Does Dash ever get the opportunity to have fun like the larger water droplets are having?
Opinion:
I thoroughly enjoyed this unique children’s storyline and I must admit, I had a soft spot for Dash right from the start. Seeing how all the large water droplets were having fun with one another but leaving Dash out of their playtime because he was too small, just broke my heart. I was hoping that one of them would remember what it was like when they were younger and smaller, and would alter their playtime a bit so Dash could have some fun too. When I saw that wasn’t happening, I felt bad for him. I feel that children can relate to what Dash was going through one point or another in their lives. Maybe they were too young or too small to play certain games with other children. In seeing what Dash was going through of being lonely and sad that he couldn’t join in, I feel children could be able to relate to Dash’s feeling of sadness and being left out of playtime, just as Dash had felt. In seeing this, I feel they will think of Dash’s situation and be able to alter how they are playing to include any child that was being left out for whatever reason.
Another point worth mentioning was how Dash showed strong determination that no matter how small he was, he really wanted to play with the larger droplets and have just as much fun as they were. Although they didn’t allow him to play with them because of his smaller size, Dash was determined he would have fun too somehow. When he literally fell out of the cloud in the sky and found other droplets willing to play with him in a lake he fell into below, I was so happy that he would finally get to play too. I feel this will teach children that if they want something that strongly, to never give up hope. That determination will always see you through a tough or sad situation just like what happened to Dash.
The illustrations provided by Ellie Beykzadeh were enjoyable to look at as much as it was to read Dash’s story. The colors reflected the color hues of water and clouds, which perfectly fit the theme of this children’s story. The colors were light blue reflecting how water looks, and every illustration was pleasing to the eyes. It was fun looking at each picture and seeing how the illustrator created Dash’s and the other water droplets’ world. Ellie Beykzadeh is a children’s book author and illustrator who weaves magic into all her work. She works with watercolor, pastels, and digital media bringing each story to life.
Marissa Bader is an award-winning children’s author who prides herself on writing books that provide children with confidence, courage, empathy, and a sense of belonging. She also has written about parenting, grief, and mental health in publications. As a wonderful bonus to her readers, Marissa has added downloadable activities, coloring pages, discussion guides and more to her website for readers to enjoy.
Overall, Dash Makes A Splash is a delightful children’s book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The storyline provides valuable lessons readers will learn from while also falling in love with Dash and the other water droplets. This is a wonderful story to have in libraries or home environments for children to read over and over again.
Opinion:
I thoroughly enjoyed this unique children’s storyline and I must admit, I had a soft spot for Dash right from the start. Seeing how all the large water droplets were having fun with one another but leaving Dash out of their playtime because he was too small, just broke my heart. I was hoping that one of them would remember what it was like when they were younger and smaller, and would alter their playtime a bit so Dash could have some fun too. When I saw that wasn’t happening, I felt bad for him. I feel that children can relate to what Dash was going through one point or another in their lives. Maybe they were too young or too small to play certain games with other children. In seeing what Dash was going through of being lonely and sad that he couldn’t join in, I feel children could be able to relate to Dash’s feeling of sadness and being left out of playtime, just as Dash had felt. In seeing this, I feel they will think of Dash’s situation and be able to alter how they are playing to include any child that was being left out for whatever reason.
Another point worth mentioning was how Dash showed strong determination that no matter how small he was, he really wanted to play with the larger droplets and have just as much fun as they were. Although they didn’t allow him to play with them because of his smaller size, Dash was determined he would have fun too somehow. When he literally fell out of the cloud in the sky and found other droplets willing to play with him in a lake he fell into below, I was so happy that he would finally get to play too. I feel this will teach children that if they want something that strongly, to never give up hope. That determination will always see you through a tough or sad situation just like what happened to Dash.
The illustrations provided by Ellie Beykzadeh were enjoyable to look at as much as it was to read Dash’s story. The colors reflected the color hues of water and clouds, which perfectly fit the theme of this children’s story. The colors were light blue reflecting how water looks, and every illustration was pleasing to the eyes. It was fun looking at each picture and seeing how the illustrator created Dash’s and the other water droplets’ world. Ellie Beykzadeh is a children’s book author and illustrator who weaves magic into all her work. She works with watercolor, pastels, and digital media bringing each story to life.
Marissa Bader is an award-winning children’s author who prides herself on writing books that provide children with confidence, courage, empathy, and a sense of belonging. She also has written about parenting, grief, and mental health in publications. As a wonderful bonus to her readers, Marissa has added downloadable activities, coloring pages, discussion guides and more to her website for readers to enjoy.
Overall, Dash Makes A Splash is a delightful children’s book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The storyline provides valuable lessons readers will learn from while also falling in love with Dash and the other water droplets. This is a wonderful story to have in libraries or home environments for children to read over and over again.
October 1, 2026
A Sweet Bedtime Story With a Wonderful Message
We absolutely loved Dash Makes a Splash! I read it with my kids, and it quickly became our favorite bedtime story this week. They really enjoyed following Dash on his journey, and I loved how the story was entertaining while also introducing such meaningful lessons in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate.
What really stood out to us was the message that you don’t have to be the biggest, fastest, or most like everyone else to matter. Dash’s journey is such a sweet reminder that everyone has value and a place where they belong. I especially appreciated the themes of friendship, kindness, inclusion, courage, and learning to appreciate what makes you unique.
My kids were also fascinated by the water cycle woven into the story. It made the science feel fun and approachable rather than like a lesson, and it gave us some great little conversations to have together after reading. I love children’s books that can spark curiosity while still being a warm and enjoyable bedtime story.
The illustrations and story make it very easy to stay engaged, and my kids were happy to read it again and again. It has definitely become one of those books they ask for by name at bedtime!
A sweet, thoughtful, and educational story with a wonderful message about belonging and self-worth. Dash Makes a Splash is definitely going to stay in our bedtime rotation!
We absolutely loved Dash Makes a Splash! I read it with my kids, and it quickly became our favorite bedtime story this week. They really enjoyed following Dash on his journey, and I loved how the story was entertaining while also introducing such meaningful lessons in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate.
What really stood out to us was the message that you don’t have to be the biggest, fastest, or most like everyone else to matter. Dash’s journey is such a sweet reminder that everyone has value and a place where they belong. I especially appreciated the themes of friendship, kindness, inclusion, courage, and learning to appreciate what makes you unique.
My kids were also fascinated by the water cycle woven into the story. It made the science feel fun and approachable rather than like a lesson, and it gave us some great little conversations to have together after reading. I love children’s books that can spark curiosity while still being a warm and enjoyable bedtime story.
The illustrations and story make it very easy to stay engaged, and my kids were happy to read it again and again. It has definitely become one of those books they ask for by name at bedtime!
A sweet, thoughtful, and educational story with a wonderful message about belonging and self-worth. Dash Makes a Splash is definitely going to stay in our bedtime rotation!
September 29, 2026
Delightful science + SEL connection in this sweet story
Readers follow Dash, a small drop of water, on a journey to discovering that being unique is a good thing. In the clouds, he always felt so small, but when he found himself among others of unique shapes, sizes, and differences, he realized he was in good company.
A heartwarming story with engaging writing and playful illustrations, a dash of science, and a splash of social-emotional discovery (see what I did there?), this book would be a great addition to any home and school library. The educational resources by the author are a great bonus!
Readers follow Dash, a small drop of water, on a journey to discovering that being unique is a good thing. In the clouds, he always felt so small, but when he found himself among others of unique shapes, sizes, and differences, he realized he was in good company.
A heartwarming story with engaging writing and playful illustrations, a dash of science, and a splash of social-emotional discovery (see what I did there?), this book would be a great addition to any home and school library. The educational resources by the author are a great bonus!
October 1, 2026
Good read
This was a good book that held my daughter attention from the beginning to the end I’m looking forward to reading more.
This was a good book that held my daughter attention from the beginning to the end I’m looking forward to reading more.
October 5, 2026
a fun way to learn about the water cycle!
We loved dash and dot! Such a fun loving way to teach about the water cycle. We really enjoyed the story!!
We loved dash and dot! Such a fun loving way to teach about the water cycle. We really enjoyed the story!!
October 8, 2026
Dash Makes a Splash by Marissa Bader – This was an Amazon freebie. It would be a cute addition to a water cycle day! Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews