The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story

The sea, with equal parts danger and thrill, makes an exciting training ground for a young haenyeo diver.

Grandma is part of an island community of haenyeo--South Korean deep-sea divers. She and her fellow divers, all older women, venture without oxygen deep into the ocean to gather abalone, sea urchins, and other treasures. Dayeon, her granddaughter, wants to be a haenyeo ("You're like a treasure-hunting mermaid," she says admiringly), but she's scared. After an earlier attempt at swimming, "water had filled her ears and nose, burned her eyes, and stung her skin." Grandma shows patience and faith as she listens to her granddaughter's anxiety, then responds: "Can't you hear what the waves are saying? They're calling to us to come home." Striking digital artwork by Snow (Black Girl Magic) captures the swirl of the ocean currents, the contrast between the sun's citrus hues and the ocean's blues, and the bounty of sea life. In one spread, Snow shows grandmother and granddaughter heading for the beach as the sun casts shadows behind them that look like mermaid's tails. Sturdy prose by Cho (Rice from Heaven) highlights a segment of Korean society whose women preserve a vibrant tradition of enterprise, stamina, and cooperation, and Grandma shines as a kind of generous real-life superhero. Back matter offers additional information about "Korea's granny mermaids." Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Adria Goetz, Martin Literary Management. Illustrator's agent: Wendi Gu, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Aug.)

Gr 2-4—The haenyeo are Korean women who dive for shellfish to sell or eat. They dive as deep as 20 meters without breathing apparatus. This fictional look features a grandmother and her granddaughter; they suit up with flippers and a diving belt, and practice holding their breath for a long time. The plot is simple, but the story is abundant with themes of passing down traditions, overcoming fears, and appreciation for what you have. Thoughtful illustrations are a stunning combination of digital and hand-painted art, most of which span two full pages. The women are lovingly depicted, with a familial resemblance between the two protagonists. The remarkable use of lighting allows readers to experience a full day at the ocean, from beautiful reflections of light off the seawater at stunning sunrise to a breathtaking sunset. A variety of perspectives are smartly employed to enhance the emotions on display. In one exceptional scene, the early morning sun casts long shadows resembling mermaid tails behind our characters on their walk toward the ocean. VERDICT This expressive story is a must-have for any collection. As a bonus, the back matter provides extensive history on the haenyeo tradition, along with safety protocols and quotes from divers.—Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill P.L., MA