Lucky is a mermicorn—half mermaid, half unicorn. He lives in an undersea world full of magic, and is excited to be helping his friend Ruby enter a special baking competition. Their new friend Nelia the Narwhal wants to help, too. An accident with a magic seashell might lead to disaster, however, unless the three of them and two other friends can find a clever solution.
As with the first book in the series, the delightful storytelling and sea-related puns make this a fun and joyful story just perfect for readers stepping into early chapter books. On first glance, there’s nothing overtly LGBTQ in these books, although the sparkly aesthetic conveys a definite flamboyant queer vibe. And Lucky, who (as we learned in the first book) likes to draw and appreciates when his mane has “just the right swirl,” feels at the very least somewhat gender creative. Jason June describes himself on his website as “a genderqueer writer mermaid,” so that vibe seems deliberate. Readers LGBTQ and not will also appreciate the series’ messages of finding oneself and supporting one’s friends. The third book in the series, Too Many Dolphins!, features a two-dad dolphin family.
Early reader titles rarely get the recognition of either picture books or middle grade ones. Jason June brings a verve to this story, however, that makes it a delight to read. Readers LGBTQ and not will also appreciate the series’ messages of finding oneself and supporting one’s friends. Maybe I’m just a sucker for fish puns, or maybe I feel the need to immerse myself in an upbeat, magical world right now—but if you or your kids feel the same, check it out.
