20 Jan Review: Marcel with a Splash
Marcel with a Splash
Written by: Julia Sørensen
Translated by: Shelley Tanaka
Groundwood Books, 2025
ISBN: 9781773069835 (hardcover)
9781773069845 (EPUB)
$22.99 CAD (paperback)
$16.99 CAD (EPUB)
48 pages
Ages: 3 to 6 years old
Review by: Cassandra Ricafort
Marcel with a Splash is a tender introduction to children with Down Syndrome. From the time he is brought home to making friends at school, we see Marcel through his parents’ lens. We follow him as he hits milestones at his own pace, makes friends as someone who is neurodiverse, and meets someone else with Down Syndrome. Despite his differences, we learn that Marcel is also just like any other baby or child. The illustrations are drawn in pencil crayon with soft strokes. For a picture book that is supposed to celebrate the joys of having a child like Marcel, there is quite a lot of black and grey in the illustrations. Perhaps it is to highlight both the joys and sorrows that come along with having a child who is neurodiverse. However, as it is a book that is marketed to such a young audience, livelier illustrations and colour may have been a better choice. There is also quite a lot of text for young children. Consequently, I would recommend this book more for children aged 5 to 8. Despite its challenges, Marcel with a Splash would serve as a great tool in discussions of diversity and inclusion in the classroom, and would make a good addition to school libraries.