Two Ocean-Blue and Character-True Picture Books

Boyds Mills Press, 2021

Inspiration and heartfelt emotions are at the center of two recent picture books. The first is MERMAID KENZIE: PROTECTOR OF THE DEEPS, written by Charlotte Watson Sherman and illustrated by Geneva Bowers. This is a vibrantly contemporary and joyful offering that stars Kenzie, a character just aching for more titles to lead. She and her mother are ocean-loving  ladies who come to life at the coast. With clever consequences, Mama convinces Kenzie to get chores done so they can visit DEEPS! 

Kenzie's ocean-love story fills many of the first pages, with exploring muddy caves, dancing in tide pools, and examining ocean life large and small (note the rock-perched microscope that somehow seems right at home in Kenzie's life). The exchanges between Kenzie and her mama are language treasures, celebrating the lyricisms of  black colloquialism rather than associating it with stereotypical situations. Their natural hair, vibrant environments, and joy in the deeps offer a fresh and friendly invitation to the wonderful underwater world of the ocean. 

When Kenzie dives to explore the sea bottom, she encounters more plastic bags than actual creatures. She channels her heartbreak and worry into an action plan to use her tools and talents to clean up the trash. In the process she not only restores habitat, she inspires a cohort of supportive new friends who help to clear the beach. This first person perspective of a curious, creative character with enough ocean-love to wear a mermaid tail when she swims is a delight of language and images. An added feature is a page of back matter about ocean pollution, especially plastics. Aimed at adult readers, it is a rich invitation to learn more and to turn that knowledge into action. What kid wouldn't want to be a superhero protector of the deeps? 

Greystone Kids, October, 2021

Kenzie is a fictional character who might inspire real kids. This next offering was inspired by an actual sea creature whose life story captured social media and sparked science study, Eventually this fictionalized version of some amazing events arrived, with hints about some very human lessons for any age.  LITTLE NARWHAL, NOT ALONE is written by Tiffany Stone and illustrated by Ashlyn Anstee. The rhymed verse shares the lively personality of a young narwhal who loves his pod of narwhals but was also a curious and energetic guy who traveled just far enough to ... lose his family and friends! 

Calling out in his narwhal voices leads to dangers instead of safety, followed by escape and racing through seas that are so vast he feels entirely alone. Then, remarkably, he spots small, "ice-white" whales (belugas) who look quite a bit like him, minus the twisty trunk. (Right about here is where adult readers might recall the photos and social media hubbub about this rare event potted in the wild.) 

Narwhal tries various vocalizations, messages, greetings. None are understood. The belugas chirrr and sing, but Narwhal is confused. When they hunt, they eat different kinds of fish. He feels so very different, and the only one of his kind. Just when he is about to leave, though. the belugas begin to play a splashy, swishy water dance. And it's play that narwhal knows, so he joins in! Then belugas do something amazing- they blow water bubble-rings!  Narwhal tries and tries, and tries... and finally succeeds! 

The basic story is irresistibly rhymed and illustrated, so little audiences will want it to be read again and again. In the process they will be bathed in a bigger story, one that offers both empathy and comfort for anyone who ever feels different or alone. It celebrates the openness of a group who are willing to give someone new a chance rather than the cold shoulder. 

And it particularly encourages TRYING! 

So, welcome to the world, little narwhal, little mermaid. You are a delightful pair of picture books and I'm rooting for loads of kids and families to find you!