About the Author

Kallie George is an author and editor living in Vancouver, BC. She completed her Masters of Children's Literature at the University of British Columbia in 2007. She is the co-creator of a series of acclaimed board books, the Simply Small Series, by Paola Opal; author of the art book Mr. M the Exploring Dreamer, with art by Soizick Meister; and the author of the picture book The Melancholic Mermaid, illustrated by Abigail Halpin. Her most recent project, Clover's Luck, Book 1 in the Magical Animal Adoption series, will be published in Feb 2015 by Disney-Hyperion. When she is not writing or editing, she's teaching creative writing workshops through Capilano University and CWC (Creative Writing for Children). www.kalliegeorge.com

Genevi�ve C�t� has illustrated several books over the years, such as The Lady of Shalott by Tennyson, Wishes by Jean Little, Ella May and the Wishing Stone by Cary Fagan, The Little Word Catcher by Danielle Simard, and many more. She has also written, in both english and french, a few stories of her own: Mr. King's Things, Without You, Me and You, What Elephant?, and With You always, Little Monday. Her editorial art has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, l'Actualit� and other such publications. She has won the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award in 2005, the General Governor's Award for Illustration in 2007, and the Marilyn Baillie Award in 2012. She lives in Montreal, Quebec. genevievecoteillustration.com

Reviews

"Splash, named after her first word and favourite activity, is a sea serpent who can't help but move. Despite her best efforts and her parents' advice, Splash can't keep her tail from making loud splashes in the water. Grampy tries to teach Splash how to move quietly to blend in with her surroundings so that, when real danger comes, she will be safe. Splash legitimately tries to follow Grampy's advice, which is supported with reasons why Splash needs to control herself, but Splash can't help but be what she is: a sea serpent who likes to splash. This story embraces Splash's individuality when Grampy takes her to a spot where it is safe to splash while also emphasizing the need for self-control in dangerous situations. For young readers, the lesson is clearly laid out and comes from a place of caring, rather than criticism of Splash. Some key words are repeated, and both sentences and chapters are shorter and would be appropriate for a transitioning reader. The illustrations are coloured with watercolours, a perfect medium for a story which takes place largely under or on water. The application of watercolours in thicker swatches gives the water depth and the colours chosen reinforce the idea of camouflage. Following Spark and Flare, Splash is the third book in the "Tiny Tails" series.
Highly Recommended.
CM Magazine, Kate Hachborn

Reviews for other books in the Tiny Tails series: *Spark is a 2013 Junior Library Guild selection, and a spring 2015 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens selection! "[Flare is]...a sweetly fantastic addition to the early-reader shelf."
Kirkus Reviews "This title will fit right into any early reader collection."
School Library Journal "If you're ready for something new in easy readers, these are a perfect choice."
Jean Little Blogspot "Fun and playful"
Booklist, Ann Kelley "A lovely little book"
Fuse #8, Betsy Bird, New York Public Librarian "Children who are forever being cautioned to 'Be careful' will instantly empathize with Spark, the young dragon who stars in this early reader from George (The Melancholic Mermaid), first in the Tiny Tails series...George's simple sentences project Spark's determination and his parents' pragmatic brand of support, while Cote offers playfully childlike scenes outlined in loose, crayony strokes. What's the solution for Spark? It's one that's both true to life and the last thing some kids will want to hear: sometimes these things just take time."
Publisher's Weekly "Spark is a lovable little dragon with a big problem: he can't control his fire...The story's construction lends it unique appeal. It is broken up into five chapters that are short enough to suit storytime with toddlers, yet long enough for early readers to feel a sense of accomplishment in reading through them. The harmony between author Kallie George's beautifully paced, sweetly humorous text and Genevieve Cote's whimsical illustrations also elevate the simple tale. The handmade quality of Cote's artwork is particularly appealing. Colours bleed ever so slightly outside the pencil-drawn outlines of Spark, his parents, and his friends (a griffin, a phoenix, a unicorn and a troll). As it relates a story about overcoming challenges, the book exerts a reassuring, calming effect on readers. Any parent weary of potty training a toddler will recognize the parable here, as well as the fact that time and patience are often the only solutions. Spark is a lovely story to share with any child who is eager to learn how to use his or her own 'flame'."
Quill & Quire "Spark is irresistible. ... George's rhythmic text moves along with just the right amount of repetition to build expectation, and gives the dramatic reader a number of satisfying fire noises to make (CRACKLE! WHOOSH! PIFF!). As the story unfolds, C�t�'s endearing illustrations provide a whimsical peek into the world the dragons inhabit--which is quite similar to ours, but funnier. There are smiles on every page for both adults and children, including a familiar scene when his parents resort to a book to tell them how to help Spark with his fiery problem. This gentle, amusing story will have children wanting to read it again and again."
National Reading Campaign
"A delight to read aloud."
CM Magazine