Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps

Combining dialogue with songlike poetry, Sherman centers a young Black child named McKenzie who enjoys visiting the beach, donning a mermaid tail, and playing in the water with a seal buddy named Cocoa. McKenzie, also known as “Mermaid Kenzie, Protector of the Deeps,” stages a beach cleanup after encountering plastic bags while snorkeling: “This mermaid cleans up for my sea pals.” Digital art by Bowers renders glossy, big-eyed characters of varying skin tones against vividly colored, thinly outlined backdrops, while poetic lines (“Mist silver the water,/ briny taste on our tongue./ Seaweed perfume the air./ Gray, the heron, drift past,/ wing almost blocking the sun”) lead to a feel-good ending with an inspiring message. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)