Lucky is a mermicorn—half mermaid, half unicorn. He lives in an undersea world full of magic, but has yet to find his “sparkle,” his special magic. When he finds a treasure chest full of glittery seashells, with a message to “Share the sparkle,” he wonders if that could be the key to finding his talent. Throw in three undersea friends, oceans of sea-related puns, and a hunt for Poseidon’s magical trident, and you have a fun and joyful story just perfect for readers stepping into early chapter books.
On first glance, there’s nothing overtly LGBTQ here, although the sparkly aesthetic conveys a definite flamboyant queer vibe. And Lucky, who 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.
