MERPIG

A unique sea creature lands himself a new role.

Marlon, a half-pig, half-mermaid, is accustomed to being the star of the show. Whether he’s playing the lead role in the school play or performing tricks at recess, he loves the spotlight. So when Marlon is cast as a nonspeaking piece of seaweed in Little Reef Elementary’s latest production, he throws a minor hissy fit. His teacher, Ms. Melody, isn’t interested in seaweed that steals the show by playing piano or making balloon animals. Marlon’s job is to stay quietly in the background. Undeterred, Marlon rebrands himself as the show’s number one cheerleader, building sets, running lines with fellow performers, and baking cookies for the cast. It’s a different, more generous way to lead, and Marlon discovers this supporting role is one he actually enjoys. The whimsical, candy-colored illustrations are charming; Kordesh’s depictions of Marlon’s antics and larger-than-life personality will certainly elicit smiles. But the art can’t revive a rather lackluster text, particularly during the book’s second half. While the book’s messaging on teamwork is important, there are plenty of missed opportunities to add texture and humor through the undersea setting and Marlon’s unique merpig configuration.

Lovely illustrations hindered by ho-hum text.