Kids Books: Salty Splashes Series

For kids who love cartoons (and what wee one doesn’t) and parents who want their offspring to spend more time reading, Santa Barbara author J.Z. Bingham has created the perfect marriage — the Salty Splashes book series. The books are written in whimsical, fun-to-read rhyme accompanied by brilliant full-page illustration. It’s a fitting alliance of scribe and artist. Bingham, a former financial writer and securities analyst, has a bright, easy touch with words. And illustrator Curt Walstead, whose work includes Dora the Explorer, Dragon Tales, and Men in Black, creates colorful drawings reminiscent of moving animation. There are three titles so far — Dreamy Drums: Trouble in Paradise; Isle of Mystery: Eyes of the King; and Gansevort: The King and His Court — although Bingham plans to add to that suite. The printed trilogy is already getting accolades, having been named as one of the best family series by the international Mom’s Choice Awards. To see the stories in motion, check out the enhanced audio ebooks, which include narration, voice-overs, sound effects, and music. Salty Splashes hard copies are available at area stores and online. For more information, visit saltysplashes.com.