Double Whammy: What's That Splat? + Spot The Dot


Do you remember making abstract ink art with your toddler? You know, the type involving splodges and straw blowing? Perhaps you were more into spotting cloud shapes. Maybe finding patterns in chaos is more your thing. The geometry of the natural world and its accidental occurrences is not something we consciously celebrate. These two picture books however standout because of their focus on simplicity and artful creativity. Read on, or better, experience the incisive visual literacy of these books first hand.


What's That Splat by Johanna Bell & Amelia Luscombe

I love the feel, look and premise of this book. Let's talk about the bevelled, rounded corners first. These give the book a cosy, comfortable feel suggesting there's nothing scary inside here, just a bit of fun. Lusciously thick GSM (page density) guarantees a long life of frequent page turns and reinforces connectivity with the target audience, ostensibly two-year-olds and above, plus it's easy to turn. Colours - wow! Bold bright primaries with defining blacks and whites. These acquaint readers with the true concept of art and allow imaginations to run riot. That riot begins with a white, shapeless SPLAT!

Now sometimes, a splat is just a splat. but sometimes a splat is much more than that! With a few deft strokes splats become cats. On mats. And then spectacularly, so much more. Creatures of all descriptions are depicted using the same random splats, whether large, small, ziggety or tall. It really is a fest of fun and absurd abstractionism - yes that's a word although no marks lost here for creativity because that is precisely what What's That Splat? is all about: a magnificent ode to free form and divergent thinking. No rules, no colouring within the lines. Sparse rhyming text support the visual creations which prompt an instant return to the paint easel. Pure brilliance. In a world where imaginations are tempered by prescribed, rapidly delivered, often artificially manufactured art, books like this provide a beautiful space to ponder, consider and create. Five out of five, individually divine splats!

Title: What's That Splat?
Author: Johanna Bell 
Illustrator: Amelia Luscombe
Publisher: Thames & Hudson, $24.99
Publication Date: 2 June 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760764821
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture / Board Book

Buy the Book: Thames & Hudson


Spot The Dot by Kris Herbert

This is an intriguing little rhyming book from EK Books who normally avoid verse heavy books. It supports geometry, language and art through the personification of a humble little dot who happens to be seeking his true sense of self. 

Spot is the dot. Although he is perfectly rounded and dot-like in every way, he is not sure where he belongs or where he came from because poor Spot forgot. As Spot wonders through this existential crisis with us, we learn that there are many possible sources for a dot like him to have come from. But none feel or fit right. Despondent and downcast, Spot is about to give up on himself when along comes a line who, thankfully, persuades him otherwise. Turns out there are many uses for a dot like Spot. He just needed to give himself time to explore and choose. And that is exactly what he does - in the nook of this book. 

Spot The Dot is more than a creative expedition of shapes and letters and juxtaposition of purpose. It's a journey into human emotion; a cleverly cloaked life lesson for the very small reminding them of their own special uniqueness. Spot The Dot is smaller than an average picture book and larger than an average board book making it ideal for pre-schoolers who enjoy a bit of agency with page turning and predictive story telling. Herbert's colour palette of burnt oranges, oceanic blues and soft pinks create a flowing consistency and appreciation of Spot's various mood changes. Yes, a dot can display emotion too it seems! Invite Spot into your classroom setting or story telling session for a bit of humour and emotive filled reflection about identity and self-worth.

Title: Spot The Dot
Author / Illustrator: Kris Herbert
Publisher: EK Books, $27.99
Publication Date: June 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923011137
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture / Board Book

Buy the Book: EK Books

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