Splash, Anna Hibiscus!

Anna Hibiscus

by Atinuke (Illustrator), Lauren Tobia (Illustrator)

In the second Anna Hibiscus picture book from Atinuke and Lauren Tobia, Anna has left her mango tree - and she s at the beach! Phew, it is hot. But what better way to cool off than by playing in the jumpy, splashy waves? "Come and splash in the waves with me!" shouts Anna Hibiscus. But everyone, including Grandmother and Grandfather, Chocolate, Benz, Wonderful, Joy, Clarity and Common Sense, is much too busy to wave-jump! So, it s just Anna Hibiscus and the white waves....

Genres: Picture Books, Africa, Family, Childrens, Fiction, Summer, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author who started her career doing traditional oral storytelling. Her books include a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Winner, a Notable Book for a Global Society, a Cybils Award Winner, and an Africana Award Winner. She lives in Wales.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Hibiscus goes to the beach with her extended family in this second of three picture-books devoted to her adventures - she is also the star of her own series of chapter-books - and urges all of her relatives to splash in the surf with her. At first they are all too busy doing other things, but as Anna cavorts in the playful waves, her family hear her laughter and join her, one by one...

Having greatly enjoyed all eight of the chapter-book devoted to Anna Hibiscus' adventures with her extended family in "Amazing Africa," I picked up Splash, Anna Hibiscus! with some anticipation. I was not disappointed, finding the writing adept and the story engaging, and the artwork appealing. Nigerian expatriate author Atinuke and English illustrator Lauren Tobia have done it again, creating a warm, engaging slice-of-life family story here. I will definitely be tracking down the other two Anna Hibiscus picture-books! Recommended to fans of the character, and to anyone seeking picture-books featuring family and/or the seashore, or set in Africa.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely picturebook in which repeating phrases and narrative structures are complemented by wonderfully bright and vibrant double-page spreads. Atinuke's language coupled with Tobia's illustrations celebrate family and African culture as Anna tries hard to get other to join her for a splash in the sea.
Reading the names of her extended family and being allowed a glimpse into such a rich and bright setting not only celebrates African culture but allows others to view this world too. I particularly liked the three teenage girls gathered around a huge, abandoned tyre in the sand, playing on their mobile phones as a contrast to the grandparents, fast asleep under the newspapers that they had been reading. The ending is particularly delightful.
It is worth noting that Zoe has had a lovely, short interview with Atinuke here: http://www.playingbythebook.net/2011/...

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story, whether you're Nigerian, or American, British, or other... whether this is your home culture or an exotic one. A great book to start your Anna Hibiscus collection with... too bad it's likely to be the last I read because not enough libraries seem to be getting these.

Please put a request into your library to get them. Either the picture-books, or the illustrated chapter-books, or both series... they're all amazing... just like Amazing Africa, where Anna Hibiscus lives with her terrific family.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of joy, this is a winner. Contemporary Africa, sun, waves, the joy of playing, annoying but ultimately loving families - this is sunshine in book form. A perfect summer read.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lovely illustrations and is a great summer read for kids who are going to the beach. I also loved the diversity and the beauty of Africa that is represented in the book.

[Kirsty Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book which challenges the stereotypical view of Africa and how children in Africa live. It celebrates family and culture which would be interesting to explore further with children.

[Guilherme Semionato · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yzc2...

[Gabrielle Sandford-Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atinuke's picturebook 'Splash, Anna Hibiscus' is a fantastic text for young children. The story is easy to follow due to its monotonous phrases from Anna and her friends and family. I particularly like the double-page spread at the beginning and the end of the story, which accurately depicts urban areas within the African continent. This could provide an interesting discussion prior to reading the text regarding children's preconceptions about Africa and its countries. The stunning illustrations by Tobia provide a colourful insight into Anna's day at the beach. The family network could also allow opportunity for a discussion, where children can reflect on their family and its members! You could discuss what their family members like to do in their free time and compare what the different generations are doing when they are at the beach.

[Joelene Lucyinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Atinuke, Splash, Anna Hibiscus automatically sets the tone of the story with a welcoming and uplifting introduction. ‘Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa.’ This creates an accessible starting point for children in the Early Year and Key Stages 1 and 2 to learn about West African culture, from the environment, where both the sun and sand are described as being hot, to different names from Clarity to Common Sense.

The importance of family and the community are strongly communicated throughout the narrative. Although Anna appears to be the main character, both Atinuke and illustrator Lauren Tobia portray a lively and energetic atmosphere whereby drama within the background gains just as much focus as Anna, from cousins playing football on the sand to grandparents reading newspapers. Lauren Tobia endearingly creates a lively family portrait, showcasing three generations of family members.

Although the narrative itself is simple, there is always something happening no matter what page you turn to. The story captures a real sense of vivacity, however can become quite overwhelming with the amount of words on each page. Atinuke incorporates broken English into the story, “Wondaful girl, kick’am” and “O-ya!” which again helps to teach pupils about language and accents.

Splash, Anna Hibiscus is an experiential story, introducing children to the language and landscapes of West Africa. The story would make a great resource for Geography, whereby children could develop their understanding of Africa, looking at the continent in more detail. This would also enhance children’s learning in English, as the children can develop their comprehension skills.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna Hibiscus and her family are enjoying a day at the beach in Africa, "amazing Africa" (unpaged), as readers are reminded. The playful waves tantalize Anna Hibiscus, and she wants someone to join her in splashing in the water. But everyone else is too busy burying each other in the sand, braiding hair, talking, and following their own pursuits to be bothered. Once Anna Hibiscus makes her own fun in the waves and her infectious giggles fear the air, everyone joins her. Readers will love this spunky, independent girl and be drawn to her personality through the text and softly-colored illustrations. It's hard not to love Anna Hibiscus and her family.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atinuke presents a fun story about Anna Hibiscus at the beach. Anna is at a beach in Africa, and just wants to find someone to play in the water with. Everyone she approaches tells her they are too busy, too old, or just not interested. Even though Anna is at first discouraged, she decides to get in the water and have fun all by herself. But things turn out even better as she hoped as, soon, everyone wants to join in on all the fun she is having.
The story by Atinuke is fun, full of rhythm and rhyme. However, I felt that the story dragged on and on as she asked family member after family member to play with her. The illustrations were well done, and I would probably read it again sometime.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to show multiculturalism and multigenerationalism (I think I just made up that word.) Definitely one about extended family. But, most importantly, Anna Hibiscus is a girl that isn't afraid to go splash in the water by herself after everyone she asked was too busy. Her enthusiasm influenced others around her.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a lovely day at the beach but no one in Anna Hibiscus's family will go in the water with her. Finally, unable to resist the water, Anna heads there by herself and her infectious laughter and fun bring the company she was craving all along. A gentle reminder to cherish time with your loved ones.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 It's refreshing to see multicultural books as I struggle to find books to represent all of my students. One thing that I heard on a TED talk is not referring to Africa as a country - it is a common misconception. This is strange because the author is from Nigeria...maybe using Africa instead of a country is to make it more global? K-2nd

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Hibiscus wants to play in the waves, but she can't find anyone to go into the water with her. Cute story that also makes readers think about what happens at the end (are you ever too old to swim in the water for example).

[Andrea Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these Anna Hibiscus books. Light-hearted, colorful slice-of-life stories about a little girl and her big family in Africa. This one focuses on Anna's day at the beach, so a good one for summer!

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE Anna Hibiscus! She's at the beach with her family--only everyone is too busy to play with her in the water. She decides to splash joyfully by herself--and eventually everyone joins her. Beautiful, oversized book.

[Coralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2. Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa and is playing with(out) friends on the beach trying to get everyone to swim (ineffectively) but it all gets messy in the end.
Suitable for: Ks1(R/1)
Themes: Being me, culture and difference, influencing, individuality, family, friendship, gender roles etc.

[Monica Edinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful. Amazing Atinuke and Lauren Tobia.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The irrepressibly joyful Anna at the beach.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a simple story: little girl wants someone to play with her but everyone is too busy until they see how much fun she's having. The pictures are charming

[Maija · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. I had heard other librarians mention this book and had to see for myself. I love Anna's enthusiasm and all of the colors. It feels light and breezy and engaging.

[Hillvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Family together.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty cute

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story about creating and sharing your own joy on a trip to the beach with family.

[Hannah]

All of these books are too cute for words.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story with great illustrations of the waves at the beach.

[Bethany Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love all the Anna Hibiscus books, and this one is more accessible for my younger child, in addition to being fun to get some of the backstory.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice book. Happy ending but just lovely through and through.

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book to read to my three year old, especially after a week of playing in the waves herself.