FINN THE FLOATY

An inflatable killer whale embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

Finn is mostly content to live out his days in a heated swimming pool with his human family and all his other blow-up friends. Yet at night he wonders what else is out there in the world just beyond the fence. He finally gets his chance to find out when a gust of wind lifts the hapless orca up and out of his comfort zone and into the sky. Flying among airplanes and rainbows, Finn eventually ends up in the deep blue sea surrounded by actual orcas. But the real world is less enticing than he thought it would be. He longs for his family, and soon, fate restores him to the familiar. The inner life of an inanimate childhood playmate is always cause for interest, and this bouncy narrative touches on themes of friends, family, and home—and being careful what you wish for—all set within a reassuring framework. Featuring crayonlike textures, Hatch’s digital illustrations balance whimsy (Finn’s the ultimate fish out of water on his escapades) with more poignant moments. Hatch describes the story’s origins (her family’s pool toy was swept away during a storm) in an author’s note. Finn’s family is brown-skinned; other human characters vary in skin tone.

Flying orcas ahead! A tale rich in love, loss, and windborne pool floaties.