Search for the Silver Shell (Coral Keepers #1)

Princess Finn of the queendom of Anjeea is a shark magician who is afraid of sharks. Despite the unflagging support of her friends Moon and Link, she keeps failing the test to join the Coral Keepers, an organization of mermaid magicians who guard the queendom against threats such as the evil shark magician Rozaro, who has vowed to steal the throne. When Finn receives a mysterious vision, she feels the allure of the fabled Silver Shell, a powerful shark magician artifact, but the queen doesn’t believe the time is right for Finn to seek it out—until Rozaro attacks the castle. This early chapter book series opener by Yardi (Owl’s Outstanding Donuts) blends real world science—incorporated through interactive back matter—with mystical adventure as Finn learns to harness her ability to control sharks, Moon practices light magic, and Link taps into sea turtle power. Themes of friendship and believing in oneself permeate every page of this under-the-sea adventure, which features cel-shaded animation-style artwork by Kellam (I Gotta Sing!) that visually establishes a jovial world populated by mermaids with varying skin tones and tail colorations. Ages 6–8. Agent: Erin Casey Westin, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Mar.)