The story of a little mermaid discovering what her talents and passions are, who she is and what she likes to do. What it means to be USEFUL.

When Minnow discovers a shoe that plummeted to the depths of the ocean, she does what she is good at- asks questions. But no one knows where it came from or what it is. Also, having 50 sisters is no piece of cake- at least one of them is bound to be downright nasty. But Minnow doesn't stop.

She sets out to find the answer on her own, discovering new worlds and things she didn't know before.

I liked the emphasis of the importance of exploration in this one, the one thing about Minnow that is put on a pedestal here is her love for adventure. And the fact that it's a gift she wants to use to share with other by telling them about things they've never heard of or seen (Yes, human feet are a shocking thing, indeed). That the search for something that makes you that excited is important.

The art awesome. The mermaids were eerie and glowing in the dark and murky light of the depths of the ocean. When Minnow discovers things above the surface, everything is soft and colorful pastels. Colors, shapes and tones she hasn't seen before, don't exist in the prior pictures.

Sometimes the pictures covered the full pages, sometime they were more blank pages with words and smaller framed pictures that looked like close ups, or portraits. More attention to details, a spotlight.

Beautiful art and inspiring story.

All of King Neptune's 50 daughters have a special skill: there is Clio with her gardening, Thetis and her fish training, Calypso and her singing... but what of the King's youngest daughter, Minnow?
The only thing Minnow does is ask questions and more questions. And when one day she comes upon a mysterious object she goes exploring to find answers to her questions.

This was such a delightful story! 
First of all, there is Minnow - and has there ever been a more delightfully named character? - she is inquisitive and does not give up when things aren't easy, or when she is teased. She keeps searching and asking, until she finds what she wants and - more importantly - finds what she is meant to be.

But sweet as this story is, what really makes it shine are its illustrations. I simply LOVE the artwork! The style is amazing and the colour choices are brilliant. I will definitely be keeping my eye on this author's works from now on! Just look at this:

I really, really loved this book!

Also worth mentioning, how nice it is to see mermaids looking suitably horrified by feet, instead of longing to change who they are and have feet of their own...

Highly recommend this - kids are sure to love it, as are any grown-ups who chance to read it!


K.G. Campbell's official site

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5 Stars

Netgalley review- on iphone.

First Impression: Loving the art. I love it when the colors completely fill the pages and there aren’t borders.

Minnow is a mermaid who has 49 sisters, all of whom are talented at something, except for Minnow. Minnow is only good at asking lots and lots of questions. One day she discovers a shoe and sets out to discover what a shoe is. She finds out and returns home. Her sisters are dismissive, but her father, King Neptune shows he adores his daughter just like she is.  

This book is so juicy and sweet and amazing. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book.

I keep finding more stuff to read. And I just got approved for this. Fortunately, I'm close to finishing HP.