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Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Sea of Surprises is a maritime-themed picture book for children written by Caren Cantrell and illustrated by Cindy Schlaudecker. Mermaiden Vienna was excited about the birthday surprise her Mer-gran was sending her. What could it be? Her best friend, Chloe, was wondering why Vienna was not busy getting ready for her birthday party, but Vienna still had plenty of time to wait for Mr. Pelican to arrive. As they were talking, Mr. Pelican flew up with Vienna’s anxiously-awaited Bubblegram. The Bubblegram mentioned a rare and precious gemstone that was for Vienna, but only if she followed the clues and actually found it. The first clue had a query about what a clownfish would do. Vienna and Chloe loved surprises, and they loved the idea of solving the clues they discover to find the gem.
Following Vienna and Chloe as they solve each clue and get closer to the great birthday gift is grand fun which will get young readers involved and feeling as though they are helping two mermaidens. I especially enjoyed the way the author introduces clownfish, pufferfish and other marine dwellers, and loved Cindy Schlaudecker’s colorful and imaginative artwork which works so well to bring Vienna’s world to life. The clues are fun to solve, and I would suggest that the caregivers stretch out the time between each clue and the answer in order to give kids a chance to figure out the answers and stay engaged in the story. Sea of Surprises is most highly recommended.
