Orchard ISBN 9781408359969 £6.99
This book is the first in a new series, and is an enjoyable read. The start of the story is about Emily moving to a new area and fitting in. She makes friends with Layla and Grace. The girls rescue a dolphin tangled in a fishing net, and start on an adventure that involves magical mermaids. The girls become Sea Keepers, whose mission is to protect “all who live in the sea”. The ocean is under threat from pollution and other forces including Effluvia, an evil mermaid, who commands a pile of rubbish including plastic water bottles, old cartons and tin cans. Effluvia wants a Golden Pearl so she can use its magic to free her sisters and take over Atlantis. The Sea Keepers are determined to stop her. The subsequent adventure involves teamwork, a shipwreck, and a variety of ocean creatures including crabs, sardines, an anglerfish and a squid. There is a clear plot and attractive characters. Illustrations break up the text and there are charming small drawings at the bottom of most pages. Highly recommended for age 6+. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Brenda Marshall