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Operation: Make a Splash (Volume 2)
Nick, Sy, and Violet have the perfect vacation planned, but nothing is going according to plan. Now, they’ll have to think fast, get creative, and make a splash in ways they never expected! A fun-filled graphic novel for fans of Cat Kid Comic Club, Hilo, and InvestiGators!
Sy’s finally going to prove himself as a pro gamer—if only his dad didn’t insist on a father-son fishing excursion instead.
Nick is set to collaborate with his musical hero, DJ French Toast—but their jam session is far from smooth.
And Violet? She signed up for Comic Design Camp . . . so why is she suddenly the star of the Drama Camp play?
Despite the obstacles, this trio isn’t backing down. Together, they’re ready to take on every obstacle, sink or swim. After all, school break has only just begun—and it’s time to make a splash!
Full of laugh-out-loud moments, big-hearted fun, and cartoonist Tate Godwin’s signature style, this graphic novel proves that no mission is impossible when you’ve got your friends by your side. Perfect for spring break, summer, or any time!
"Charming and colorful and cleverly told. Operation Cover-U p is full of humor and characters that any kid can relate to!" — John Patrick Green, New York Times bestselling author of the InvestiGATORS series, for Cover-Up
"Featuring a lively, nonstop narrative arc and precise pastel cartoon art, this humorous graphic novel conveys complex truths about loyalty, identity, and honesty. Godwin employs a split screen–style format early on as Sy and Nick embark on parallel storylines that eventually converge—an inspired way to introduce the protagonists and to help readers realize that everyone, no matter how outwardly confident, feels self-doubt and uncertainty. Hilarious, perceptive, and thoughtful—just like its protagonists." - Kirkus Reviews , STARRED review, for Cover-Up
"The kids’ world bursts with vibrant color that brings the characters and their surroundings to life with dynamic, youthful exuberance. Playful banter and touching moments of self-discovery showcase the challenges of navigating adolescence—and the importance of having a friend to do it with." - Publisher's Weekly , STARRED review, for Cover-Up
Sy’s finally going to prove himself as a pro gamer—if only his dad didn’t insist on a father-son fishing excursion instead.
Nick is set to collaborate with his musical hero, DJ French Toast—but their jam session is far from smooth.
And Violet? She signed up for Comic Design Camp . . . so why is she suddenly the star of the Drama Camp play?
Despite the obstacles, this trio isn’t backing down. Together, they’re ready to take on every obstacle, sink or swim. After all, school break has only just begun—and it’s time to make a splash!
Full of laugh-out-loud moments, big-hearted fun, and cartoonist Tate Godwin’s signature style, this graphic novel proves that no mission is impossible when you’ve got your friends by your side. Perfect for spring break, summer, or any time!
"Charming and colorful and cleverly told. Operation Cover-U p is full of humor and characters that any kid can relate to!" — John Patrick Green, New York Times bestselling author of the InvestiGATORS series, for Cover-Up
"Featuring a lively, nonstop narrative arc and precise pastel cartoon art, this humorous graphic novel conveys complex truths about loyalty, identity, and honesty. Godwin employs a split screen–style format early on as Sy and Nick embark on parallel storylines that eventually converge—an inspired way to introduce the protagonists and to help readers realize that everyone, no matter how outwardly confident, feels self-doubt and uncertainty. Hilarious, perceptive, and thoughtful—just like its protagonists." - Kirkus Reviews , STARRED review, for Cover-Up
"The kids’ world bursts with vibrant color that brings the characters and their surroundings to life with dynamic, youthful exuberance. Playful banter and touching moments of self-discovery showcase the challenges of navigating adolescence—and the importance of having a friend to do it with." - Publisher's Weekly , STARRED review, for Cover-Up
- GenresGraphic Novels
176 pages, Hardcover
Published February 24, 2026
About the author
Tate Godwin
2 books4 followersTate Godwin lives in North Carolina. When he's not creating graphic novels, he's coaching or hanging out with his dog, Rusty. Operation: Cover-Up was his first graphic novel, followed by the sequel, Operation: Make a Splash. Learn more about him on his website: tatecartoons.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 25, 2026
This is one of those rare kids’ books that understands how kids actually feel. Even though the characters are animals, their problems feel very real: how to be honest with a parent, stand up to bullies, and venture beyond your comfort zone. What I appreciate most about this book, and the first one in the series is that the author never talks down to kids. The art is charming and funny. This series reminds young readers they’re okay as they are.
June 2, 2026
Loved this one. Not only Summer is the best, our three friends decide that it's the perfect time to make a splash and win at their goals, unfortunately, nothing goes as planned, and they will have to make some decisions and stand up for their beliefs, even if that means not being accepted (by bullies) or hurting others' feelings (a parent or two). What they always do is find a way to empathize with others and get a solution that works for everyone. Stay true to yourself, but remain kind. Love the artwork, the design, and the characters (the adults as well).
Each volume reads as a standalone, start here for the summer and the first one can be back to school read.
Each volume reads as a standalone, start here for the summer and the first one can be back to school read.
April 24, 2026
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Wwwwwwwwwwwww wwwww w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w great amazing cool fun
Wwwwwwwwwwwww wwwww w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w great amazing cool fun
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This trio of friends is in for quite the summer...in ways they didn't expect.
Nick, Violet, and Sy are more than ready for summer break and have big plans. After all, they start middle school the next school year. They promise each other to make a splash and change their lives as they each head to prove themselves in their own areas: a pro gamer, a rapper, and a comic artist. But only a day or two in, and everything seems to fall apart. Comic Design Camp is suddenly Drama Camp, gaming hours turn into fishing with Dad, and the rapping collaboration isn't quite what it seems. All three either struggle or fall flat on their faces...and it's doubtful that any of them will even get a drop of what they'd hoped to achieve.
This group jumps into drama pure with three different themes in three different directions. Each one's hopes are big, and each one is determined...which makes it so fun to get behind them and root for them the entire way through. All three are kind and don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but their struggles aren't really their faults, either. The dreams each holds will reflect those of many readers, and the author makes sure that all three are really first steps, which fit the age group. Sy's desire to gain gaming skills and leave his first marks aren't over the top, and his desire not to disappoint his dad with a fishing competition isn't only kind but realistic. Nick's issue is a little more common as he faces bullying, but with a slightly different twist since he's not the target. Rather, his warm heartedness makes him realize and want to step in when someone else is being bullied. Then there's Violet, whose problem is thrown at her immediately thanks to her parents' mistake by registration. All three will have readers wondering how they will solve their problems. Plus, all three flow wonderfully into the weave as their tales switch from one to the other in a smooth fashion.
The text is just right for beginning readers who are sure of their words. Some of Nick's vocabulary will push those word skills, but that's his character and adds reading practice in an enjoyable way. The illustrations make the action happen and add as sense of light humor as well. These also bring across the emotions while sticking in a lighter-color direction, which actually, makes the entire atmosphere less aggressive and fitting to this trio and their tales. The entire thing moves at a steady-pace to keep those pages turning, since something is always happening.
There are messages built in, obviously, but these flow right into the adventure of life in a grabbing and enjoyable way. It's a fun read from beginning to end, and I'm looking forward to see what happens to these guys next.
Nick, Violet, and Sy are more than ready for summer break and have big plans. After all, they start middle school the next school year. They promise each other to make a splash and change their lives as they each head to prove themselves in their own areas: a pro gamer, a rapper, and a comic artist. But only a day or two in, and everything seems to fall apart. Comic Design Camp is suddenly Drama Camp, gaming hours turn into fishing with Dad, and the rapping collaboration isn't quite what it seems. All three either struggle or fall flat on their faces...and it's doubtful that any of them will even get a drop of what they'd hoped to achieve.
This group jumps into drama pure with three different themes in three different directions. Each one's hopes are big, and each one is determined...which makes it so fun to get behind them and root for them the entire way through. All three are kind and don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but their struggles aren't really their faults, either. The dreams each holds will reflect those of many readers, and the author makes sure that all three are really first steps, which fit the age group. Sy's desire to gain gaming skills and leave his first marks aren't over the top, and his desire not to disappoint his dad with a fishing competition isn't only kind but realistic. Nick's issue is a little more common as he faces bullying, but with a slightly different twist since he's not the target. Rather, his warm heartedness makes him realize and want to step in when someone else is being bullied. Then there's Violet, whose problem is thrown at her immediately thanks to her parents' mistake by registration. All three will have readers wondering how they will solve their problems. Plus, all three flow wonderfully into the weave as their tales switch from one to the other in a smooth fashion.
The text is just right for beginning readers who are sure of their words. Some of Nick's vocabulary will push those word skills, but that's his character and adds reading practice in an enjoyable way. The illustrations make the action happen and add as sense of light humor as well. These also bring across the emotions while sticking in a lighter-color direction, which actually, makes the entire atmosphere less aggressive and fitting to this trio and their tales. The entire thing moves at a steady-pace to keep those pages turning, since something is always happening.
There are messages built in, obviously, but these flow right into the adventure of life in a grabbing and enjoyable way. It's a fun read from beginning to end, and I'm looking forward to see what happens to these guys next.
April 14, 2026
Operation: Make a Splash is a lively and entertaining graphic novel that delivers humor, heart, and fast-paced storytelling. Tate Godwin creates a fun ensemble story where multiple character arcs unfold simultaneously in an engaging way.
What makes this book stand out is the parallel structure of the characters’ experiences. Each kid faces a completely different challenge, yet their stories feel equally important and interconnected, creating a strong sense of momentum and variety.
The humor is light and relatable, and the story captures the ups and downs of friendship, creativity, and unexpected changes in plans. It’s especially appealing for readers who enjoy energetic, character-driven adventures.
A colorful, fun, and engaging read that highlights the value of friendship and adaptability in a very entertaining way.
What makes this book stand out is the parallel structure of the characters’ experiences. Each kid faces a completely different challenge, yet their stories feel equally important and interconnected, creating a strong sense of momentum and variety.
The humor is light and relatable, and the story captures the ups and downs of friendship, creativity, and unexpected changes in plans. It’s especially appealing for readers who enjoy energetic, character-driven adventures.
A colorful, fun, and engaging read that highlights the value of friendship and adaptability in a very entertaining way.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews