Search for the silver shell

Princess Finn of the queendom of Anjeea is a shark magician who is afraid of sharks. Despite the unflagging support of her friends Moon and Link, she keeps failing the test to join the Coral Keepers, an organization of mermaid magicians who guard the queendom against threats such as the evil shark magician Rozaro, who has vowed to steal the throne. When Finn receives a mysterious vision, she feels the allure of the fabled Silver Shell, a powerful shark magician artifact, but the queen doesn't believe the time is right for Finn to seek it out--until Rozaro attacks the castle. This early chapter book series opener by Yardi (Owl's Outstanding Donuts) blends real world science--incorporated through interactive back matter--with mystical adventure as Finn learns to harness her ability to control sharks, Moon practices light magic, and Link taps into sea turtle power. Themes of friendship and believing in oneself permeate every page of this under-the-sea adventure, which features cel-shaded animation-style artwork by Kellam (I Gotta Sing!) that visually establishes a jovial world populated by mermaids with varying skin tones and tail colorations. Ages 6--8. Agent: Erin Casey Westin, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Mar.)

Gr 1--3--Princess Finn, daughter of Queen Ula, and her friends Moon and Link are Coral Keepers-in-training: they are mastering their specific magical abilities to help protect their mermaid "queendom." As Finn is failing her Coral Keepers test for the fourth time, an exiled mermaid called Rozaro threatens the queendom with magic stolen from Finn's disappeared father. Rozaro puts all the other Coral Keepers under a sleeping spell and imprisons Queen Ula in a cage made of currents. It's up to Finn and her friends to undertake a mission to collect the famed Silver Shell, which they can use to defeat Rozaro. Courage and cooperation rule the day in this magical tale for newly independent readers ready to transition from early reader chapter books to more complicated plots and higher page counts. A spicy battle scene introduces mild violence, but encouragement among friends shines through. The story ends with a cliffhanger, sending readers to the next installment in the series. Back matter includes discussion questions. VERDICT Fantasy writing for new-ish readers is growing increasingly robust, and this exciting series starter is proof.--Rachel Owens