MEI'S MERMAID MISSION

In Lee’s children’s book, mermaid characters tackle ocean pollution.

Mei, a mermaid from Orchid Island, just off Taiwan, receives a letter from Princess Hwangok of the Mermaids International Rescue Alliance saying that “Pirate Polymer is creating trouble in the East Sea” and Mei must gather her mermaid team. She begins her adventure in Batticaloa Lagoon on Sri Lanka where there’s an oil spill, then meets parrotfish and dugongs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Near Belum Rainforest, she finds her mermaid friend Duyung; they see various sea creatures, including a blue whale, while rounding up other mermaid teammates. Later, sea turtles guide them to Tuki, a whale shark, who’s “ill from eating too much plastic.” A few humans also join the mermaids’ cause. Finally, the team finds Pirate Polymer dumping trash into the ocean, which is harmful to his beloved Irrawaddy dolphins. Readers will be eager to see if the MIRA team succeeds in stopping him. Lee adeptly weaves Asian Pacific locations, animals, and mythology into an inspiring, environmentally conscious story that entertains and educates children. Lee presents many learning opportunities throughout, and Su’s cartoon illustrations of Asian Pacific culture are colorful and detailed. Ocean pollution and dangers to sea life are prominent throughout, and important information follows in backmatter about the narrative’s animals, mythology, geography, and historical references.

A creative, myth-based ecological tale.