Review: Little Orchid's Sea Monster Trouble By Claudine Gueh Yanting

{About a girl trying to prove to her Ma that the Giant Cuttlefish exists,
and ending up turning into a sea monster herself.}
- See more at: http://www.carryusoffbooks.com/little-orchid.html#sthash.c3NP79HL.dpuf

"If we take a special one from the sea, the sea will take a special one from us."

Or maybe, Little Orchid thinks, a not-so-special one.

It starts with a desperate wish to prove to Ma that she isn't spouting nonsense about the Giant Cuttlefish. Yet when Little Orchid encounters the sea monster face-to-face, she can only stand by and watch helplessly as it gets killed for dinner. Horror and guilt wash over her. That night, Little Orchid wakes up and finds boils all over her body, her nose and mouth stretched, and her fingers transforming into creature-like arms.

With an unexpected storm approaching, and without a proper goodbye to her family, Little Orchid must now leave home and start a new life as the Giant Cuttlefish.


A middle-grade story about the frail trust between children and mothers, the resilience of family love, and the strength summoned when we're staring straight at our monster selves.
- See more at: http://www.carryusoffbooks.com/little-orchid.html#sthash.c3NP79HL.dpuf

"I personally love nautical themes, hence I found the story very appealing. The sea, the creatures living in the ocean, and the mystery that lurks under the water is very exciting. Children will find this book adventurous as Little Orchid will take them on an underwater trip where they come across many sea creatures. The narration is simple and the bright illustrations add color to the story. The underwater world has been explained well by the author, making children more aware of the sea and the life that lives in there.

It is a beautiful story that will encourage children to dream and explore. It is fast paced, making the book exciting reading material for kids. The author also gives subtle messages of life, death, love and trust through the story." ~ Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite.


"The writing is lyrical, and the imagery sticks to your bones. Following along with Little Orchid on her quest into the deep was riveting. The fabric of the story has the same fantastical texture as that of Alice and Wonderland."