Harmony & Echo: The Mermaid Ballet

In Barrager’s uncomplicated friendship story, mermaid besties Harmony and Echo “both loved fairy tales and daydreaming.” But while light-brown-skinned Harmony “liked things to be carefree and fun,” tan-skinned Echo “was not chill.” On the day of the friends’ ballet performance, Echo confesses to being overcome with worry, and supportive Harmony knows just how to respond, suggesting they squeeze hands when nerves strike and that they run through the routine (aquatic moves include “spin in circles like a minnow” and “slither like an eel”). Later, the performance unfolds with graceful choreography, a reassuring hand squeeze tucked into the middle of the show. Watercolors provide ideal oceanic backdrops for unlined digital renderings of the mer-kids delighting in each other’s companionship in this evenly told portrait of supportive friendship. Ages 3–7. (May)