The Big One

Slater (the Escargot series) and Yim (Rose by the Sea) cast a lively fish tale with a whopper of a twist that suggests the real catch is not what’s landed but what’s shared. When it’s rumored in a small fishing village that the legendary Big One is close to shore, youngest resident Marina joins forces with eldest resident Nana to try to catch the creature. Though the townspeople share their doubts (“Are you sure you have the grit and the gumption?”), the pale-skinned duo’s collaborative bond deepens as they admire clouds, discuss favorite soups, and sing a sea chanty. Then the calm blue sea turns a swirling gray and offers up something unexpected: a breaching whale, tangled in fishing line. When the shipmates set it free, generosity begets generosity as the whale slaps “a shower of fish” into their boat. Via a yarn-spinning voice and pencil and pastel artwork that’s rich in salt-sprayed atmosphere, the creators craft an immersive adventure that’s as bountiful as the sea it celebrates. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions. (June)