Wednesday, April 9, 2014

What's the Trouble with Sea Monsters?

Everyone in Little Orchid's village knows a storm is coming. The weather has been crazy and small fish have been seen being flung right out of the sea. Some people are convinced that the news is just political distractions, and others believe it's the will of angry deities, but Little Orchid knows what's causing all the fish to die. Buffalo Brother told her. Curl, swish, fling! It's a sea monster, and she's sure it's a giant cuttlefish. He also told her that the giants in the water are special, and if someone takes a special one from the sea, the sea will take a special one from them. No one believes Little Orchid except Buffalo Brother. Not even her ma, who thinks she's just sprouting nonsense again. When she and her big sister, Little Lotus, are invited for dinner at Rainbow Sister's house, Little Orchid can't wait. Rainbow Sister's father is the owner of a popular seafood restaurant, and Little Orchid is sure he'll know about the giant cuttlefish. Ma, who's reluctant to let her go, insists that she behave and not cause any trouble. Little Orchid has no intention of creating problems. She's excited to sit in a fancy car and visit such a fine house. Soon, however, she finds out that the meal being served up is none other than, a giant cuttlefish. She witnesses the frantic W shaped eyes sink deeper into the pot, followed by straining tentacles, reaching out for help. She watches in horror as the cuttlefish is cooked for dinner. When it's time to eat, Little Orchid can't take a bite. The host takes offense to her impoliteness and insists that she eat the cuttlefish. Little Orchid swallows, her stomach churning. Deep inside, a change begins to happen, and there's nothing she can do about it and no one she can tell. What will happen when her ma finds out what happened at Rainbow Sister's house? How will Little Orchid face the sea alone? Will she be able to save those she loves from the storm? Will she be able to save herself? You will have to read this captivating story to find out!

Little Orchid's Sea Monster Trouble by Gueh Yanting, Claudine is brilliantly creative. The writing is lyrical, and the imagery sticks to your bones. Following along with Little Orchid on her quest into the deep was riveting. The fabric of the story has the same fantastical texture as that of Alice and Wonderland. Just as Alice finds herself trapped in another world, so does Little Orchid- in mind and body! She learns about herself by seeing through different eyes and makes some very special friends along the way. I enjoyed this book immensely, and I would recommend it to readers between the ages of nine and thirteen or anyone who loves to drift away with their imagination.

This book has just been released! Stop by Friday's post for an interview with the lovely Gueh Yanting, Claudine, plus a bonus surprise. 

Has anyone else read Little Orchid's Sea Monster Trouble? Or have you read any other books by this author? We'd love to hear from you!

Happy Reading :)
~ F

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42 comments:

  1. Looks like a fun new book to hit the market.

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  2. Thank you for this wonderful review. (Stick to the bones ... I love that!) Looking forward to Friday ~

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    1. Claudine- You have a beautiful way with words. We are happy to spotlight your book. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  3. Sounds like another winner from the lovely Claudine.

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  4. Pinning this to the kid's pinterest board. I am intrigued by the concept and the writing!

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    1. Heidi- Yeah! It is beautifully written. A great book to pin. :) ~L

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  5. A giant cuttlefish? Jaws and now this? How will I ever swim in the sea again?

    Seriously, am so pleased you posted this today. I enjoyed reading about the story, and your review was great. Anyone who writes beautiful imagery gets my attention.

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    1. Lee- You will love Claudine's book! The writing gets you thinking and picturing. :) Enjoy! :) ~L

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  6. This sounds very interesting. I like myths and this has all the earmarks of a new myth. Thanks for telling me about it.

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    1. Rosi- It is! You will enjoy this book for sure. :) ~L

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  7. They ate the cuttlefish? I imagine that would really freak me out, let alone a kid! This sounds like a really good read--thanks for sharing it!

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    1. Meradeth- It is a really great read. I think you will love it. :) ~L

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  8. Sounds like a wonderful book!

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  9. Sounds like a cute book. I really like the cover, too.

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    1. Sherry- I agree that the cover is great and the book is wonderful. ;) ~L

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  10. I haven't read any of the author's stories, but love the idea of this one. I bet young readers will enjoy it. Nice review.

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    1. Beverly- I highly recommend Claudine's book. You will enjoy this story and her other books too! :) ~L

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  11. This sounds like a very imaginative read. I like that fantastical Alice and Wonderland feel, so I think this will be my sort of book. Thanks for sharing! :)

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    1. Sam- It is definitely and imaginative read. A book that I highly recommend. :) ~L

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  12. I loved Ms. Gueh's picture book "My Clearest Me." Sounds like I'll have to read this one too! :)

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    1. Erik- I love My Clearest Me too! If you are a fan of that one then you have to read this one! :) ~L

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  13. Eek! This scares me and I'm an adult (No, really. At least that's what they tell me. lol) Cooking a live cuttlefish? What happened to Little Orchid? *shiver*

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    1. Lexa- You will have to read this book to find out. :) ~L

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  14. I'm enchanted reading the blurb, but I will be passing on a seafood dinner.

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    1. Leslie- It is a wonderful book and the blurb is perfect for the story. :) ~L

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  15. I am afraid of the ocean but this does sound interesting and suspenseful.

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    1. Kimba- Even if you are afraid of the ocean you will enjoy this book. :) ~L

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  16. I love the description. Now I see why you chose this week's riddle.

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    1. Medeia- Glad you can see the riddle connection. :) It is a great book! ~L

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  17. Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the review!

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    1. Cherie- You are welcome! It is a great read. :) ~L

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  18. Just the title speaks to how creative it is. Love that!

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    1. Crystal- I agree with you that the title is awesome! :) ~L

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  19. What a fantastic review. This sounds like a wonderful book thank you so much for telling us more about it.

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    1. Barbara- Claudine has done a fabulous job! You will love this book. :) ~L

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  20. So glad to know that readers here like the sound of the story. Thanks, everyone!

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    1. Claudine- Thanks for stopping by and talking to our readers. :) ~L

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  21. What an excellent read, and why not? written by Claudine. She has a heart of gold and this story has a fine tale to it.

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    1. Donna- Claudine does have a heart of gold! It is a book you will treasure. :) ~L

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