I am probably the only person who is not going to be or is jumping up and down and shouting the praises of Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps. It is not because I disliked Charlotte Watson Sherman’s picture book, it is just that something was off for me.
The story is sweet: a young girl named Kenzie wants to be swim in the ocean, say hello to the animals and be a mermaid. But one day she cannot swim freely as there is more plastic than ocean it seems. Kenzie knows what she must do to help the ocean. And she shows that nobody is too small to tackle a big issue.
And the illustrations are fantastic. Maybe the artwork of Geneva Bowers is a little too polished in some ways, but at the same time they are perfect with how they neatly snuggle in and fit the story. The colors and details are deep and richly done. There are extras about how the oceans are polluted and ways you can help as well.
I think I just was not in the right frame of mind when reading. I think this is a book you need to sit comfortably and take your time. I know that a reread will be needed. Adults and kids will enjoy being read to and reading this story. Due to the shorter length, the book can be for younger readers up to about seven or eight. The picture book format might turn off some of the older readers, but overall this is an all age book.
