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

Follow my blog with Bloglovin