School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-Trot, who is Vietnamese American, loves surfing with her cat, Cap'n Bill. But an afternoon out on the waves turns stressful when Trot brings her grandfather, who has dementia, with her to the beach and he wanders off. The authorities find him, but Trot's worried mother grounds Trot and her grandfather. When Trot and Cap'n Bill sneak out for a quick surf, they get knocked off their board and interrupt an underwater battle between the ancient Sea Sirens and their rivals, the menacing Serpents. Joined by Trot's grandfather, who followed them when they left home, Trot and Cap'n Bill have a fun evening with the regal Sea Sirens until the duo learn that Grandpa has wandered off again-this time, into the clutches of the Serpents. This is a light, low-stakes read that will resonate with those who enjoy spending time with lovable characters. Lee's stylized artwork and gorgeous colors will appeal to the tweenage set, while Chu's simple dialogue keeps things accessible to young comics fans. Though Trot and Cap'n Bill have a charming dynamic and energy, Trot's family and the Sirens and Serpents are lacking in depth. Younger readers are likely not to notice, however, thanks to the brisk pacing. VERDICT For libraries with younger comics fans, and a solid additional purchase for middle school collections.-Matisse Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Middle-schooler Trot lives in Huntington Beach, Calif., and loves nothing more than surfing with her cat, Cap'n Bill, while her grandfather fishes nearby. Trot's youth and Grandpa's dementia put the pair in the position of watching out for each other while Trot's mother is at work. When a massive wave knocks Trot and Bill deep underwater, they become accidental heroes of a skirmish between a group of Sea Sirens (merfolk) and large, talking Serpents. Given abilities to breathe and communicate underwater, Trot and Bill are invited to visit the Sea Siren kingdom where wonders await. While the story is based on The Sea Fairies by L. Frank Baum, it is impossible to avoid another, favorable comparison to a different fantasy world, that of Little Nemo in Slumberland, which seems a clear inspiration to both the fanciful story and art. Bright, densely detailed illustrations by Lee (Return of the Dapper Men) present the undersea world as a confectionary delight for the eyes, populated by strange characters of various species, marvelous costumes, and mysterious architecture, while Chu (Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death) keeps the tone light, the stakes low, and the charm high. Sweet without being saccharine, this slight magical adventure feels timeless, optimistic, and fun. Ages 8-12. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
