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Pearl of the Sea is a beautiful graphic novel that will have great appeal to a wide range of readers.

Pearl spends most of her time on the ocean. It’s the only place she feels safe and most at home. Pearl is an experienced diver and we see this right from the opening spread. Gorgeous blues and underwater scenes make this book utterly enchanting. Pearl dives to put food on the table. When she finds a secured underwater space, abundant with abalone, she is approached by poachers. Pearl take the deal, thinking it will help her father pay the bills. But Pearl finds another secret while diving - a big secret - and one she’d do anything to protect.

The colours in this graphic novel are wonderful. From the vibrant pops of colour, blues of the underwater scenes and soft sunrises over the ocean. It’s a graphic novel with few words - Pearl likes to work alone, after all, and this leave plenty of space for page-width panels and dramatic spreads.

Pearl of the Sea has wonderful themes of protecting our ocean life, friendship and opening up to others, even after losing someone close to you. Pearl must learn to be a friend and open herself to friendship. She also has to learn to accept help, though she is one tough and clever heroine.

A beautiful graphic novel I can’t wait to add to our school library’s collection.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

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