The Mermaid Princesses

In this picture book about collaborative power, three Black-presenting mermaid princesses each have a different gift. Anaya is a sweet-natured songstress, Shante is a bold explorer, and Kianna is a diligent student—and each one of them dreams of becoming queen. When they ask their mother which one will be crowned, bickering along the way, the monarch admonishes them: “Whoever is to be queen must first and foremost be a good sister and protector.” Encountering a baby dolphin in distress, the sisters each use their strengths to save it, an event that reveals an answer to the question of queendom: “The ocean needs a queen that is strong and fierce as a shark, as clever and wise as an octopus, and as kind and caring as a dolphin.” Cameron-Gordon handily demonstrates the importance of teamwork in protecting the greater good, while Ortega’s candy-hued waterscapes and ornate, thoughtfully rendered character designs offer the feel of an animated short. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)