View all my reviews
By: Melissa Cristina Marquez
Illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz
Penguin Workshop: 2023
As the sun sets over another gorgeous day at the la Playita del Condado in Puerto Rico, Meli doesn’t want to go home. She loves the ocean more than anything and the with only five minutes left at the beach, she knows exactly where her last stop should be: the tidal pools, While looking into t he pools, she meets a crab, Jaiba, who takes her on a dreamlike underwater adventure, teaches her about the impotence of shark conservation, and reveals Meli’s ultimate Destiney: to become the MOTHER OF SHAKES. Blending the autobiographical with the fantastical, Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Marquez shares her incredible story not only to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures but also to pave the way for Latinas in STEM. Paired with Devin Elle Kurtz’s beautiful illustrations, this picture book is an irresistible journey through the wonders of the ocean and above all, a railing cry for marine conservation.
Vid:
About the Author
Melissa Cristina Marquez is a fiercely proud Hispanic marine biologist, wildlife educator, professional speaker, and presenter. She has given two TEDx talks on sharks and female scientists, and her work has been highlighted in NPR, Allure, Disney+, BB, Nationa Geographic, Good Morning America, and more. In 2021, Melissa was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30: Science list and the InStyle Badass 50 Women list. Melissa holds a BA in marine ecology and conservation from New College of Florida and a MS in marine biology from Victoria University. Born in Puerto Rico and raised inMexico, Melissa aims to bring attention to the importance of diversity and inclusion with her writing.
The Illustrator:
Devin Elle Kurtz lives in San Diego, California, with her dog, Kira and her thirty-three houseplants. She’s been painting in photoshop since the age of two when her artist mom first offered her a tablet pen. This is her debut picot book as an illustrator! Visit her online at devinellekurtz.com
The Art
There is no information on the copyright page about how Kurtz created this breathtaking works of art but every page is pure magic. From the sparkle on the ocean to the colors of the young protagonist’s hair, every page is alive with rich vibrant colors. Even the TED talk spread where little POV character watches her future self give a speech - the room is mostly dark but what life there is shines from the speaker and highlights the onlooking character with warm, caring red tones. My favorite spread is where the two characters meet face to face. Each looking in the eyes of the future. Such a sweet moment highlighted in passionate purples and red colors. I also love the very last page which sticks with me, as the little girl looks a lot my own own daughter. And you can clearly see the sea swimming in her eyes. Gorgeous.
What I Loved
-The art is hands down my favorite part about this book. It’s enchanting, enriching, and breathtaking. It really sets the tone for the theme of hope and inspiration.
About the story I loved the beginning when I believed I was on my way to a fanatical fantasy adventure.
The message of inspiring Latina children as well as girls of any race especially girls of color to go into the sciences. Just because there are no faces like yours in the room just yet doesn’t main that you can’t be the first. Its beautiful to imagine yourself in the role you’d like to someone occupy, and powerful to see that little girl does eventually achieve her dreams. Being able to see yourself in a role is the first step to making it a reality and books help with that mission.
What I Liked
I liked the message of conversation. I am a big STEAM fan and shark conservation is important, as protecting apex predators means protecting their prey and habitats such as the corals and the ice bergs.
What I Disliked
I’m not a fan of how the story changes on me. I enjoyed the idea of it being a fantasy with these gorgeous illustrations I was all set up to be swept away into a dreamy world.
Instead I was brought down into the harsh reality of dying corals and sharks drowning in fishermen’s nets. And it wasn’t just me. I saw my daughter’s interest in the story drop instantly when we saw it wasn’t the fairy tail the first pages led us towards.
Lessons to Take away
Conservations books are good and important, but to be successful and likable from beginning to end don’t just right to the dark side. I think are a number of ways this book could have transitioned into the dark tales of conversation and kept the uplifting inspiration of the story.
Perhaps it could have leaned into a fanatical story were the coral was dying and no magic could fix it. But a hero comes and changes start to happen, and that hero is …you or something.
Conclusion:
This story was lovely, but the change of direction left me somewhat cold.
I loved the message and the themes, but execution through me out.
I’m sure this is a charming and pernicious book to the author, and probably to a lot of little girls who hope to be scientists someday.
But little girl, who is only four, but is also showing interest in marine biology wasn’t totally interested because the book seemed to personal to someone else. (My words not hers)
Here words are “But sharks are bad guys though.” Which we had a conversation about, but the book did not dispel.
Perhaps then the book was doing too much? Inspiring STEM in young girls, makes sharks something to be protected not fears, and take us on whimsical, undersea adventure?
Maybe when she’s older I’ll try this one again. She loves mermaids and I’d love for her to get into real marine wildlife. Ion the meantime this one wasn’t one of my favorite stories, but I did love the illustrations.
If you’re interested in this book please use my Amazon Associates Link to the give it try Mother of Sharks.
Hope to see you on the Next Page