A New Friend: An Acorn Book (Mermaid Days #3) - by Kyle Lukoff

About the Book

When mermaid Vera and Octo-boy Beaker investigate what seems like a wave of vandalism in Tidal Grove, they discover a baby Mantis shrimp who does not fully understand his own power, and help him find his family.

Book Synopsis

Vera and Beaker make a new friend when they meet a mantis shrimp, in this series perfect for beginning readers!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!Swim along with mermaid Vera and octo-kid Beaker! In these three stories, Vera and Beaker make a new friend with a powerful baby mantis shrimp. Together, they explore the town of Tidal Grove. Then they play fun underwater games! Young readers will love discovering Vera and Beaker's funny adventures and learning nonfiction information about mantis shrimp. Did you know that mantis shrimp are small but very powerful? They can punch the water to create shockwaves!With text from National Book Award finalist Kyle Lukoff, and bright, colorful artwork from artist Kat Uno, Mermaid Days is sure to be every young reader's favorite new series. Balancing easy-to-read text, endless humor and charm, light nonfiction, and a loveable cast of underwater creatures, these laugh-out-loud stories are the perfect fit for new readers!

Review Quotes

Praise for Too Bright to See, by Kyle Lukoff: * "This coming-of-age and coming-out story takes a needed departure from other stories about transgender youth... Haunting and healing." - Kirkus, starred review* "Smart and thought-provoking.... Lukoff provides a tender rumination on grief, love, and identity." - Publishers Weekly, starred review* "Equal parts unsettling, heartwarming, and satisfying...a nuanced and compelling exploration of gender, friendship, and family." - Booklist, starred review* "A hopeful examination of grief and gender, and a good ghost story to boot." - School Library Journal, starred reviewPraise for When Aidan Became a Brother, by Kyle Lukoff: Best Books of 2019, Kirkus ReviewsBest Books of 2019, School Library JournalEditors' Choices for Books for Youth, BooklistBest of the Best Books of 2019, Chicago Public Library* "Joyful and affirming, Aidan's story is the first of its kind among books for welcoming a new baby." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "The creators' exploration of one transgender child's experience emphasizes the importance of learning "how to love someone for exactly who they are." --Publishers Weekly, starred review* "A heartfelt celebration of love." --Booklist, starred review

About the Author

Kyle Lukoff is a National Book Award finalist and the Newbery and Stonewall Award-winning author of multiple books for young readers, including When Aidan Became a Brother, Call Me Max, and Too Bright to See. Kyle spent eight years as an elementary school librarian, but now he writes full time, assists in sensitivity readings and consultations, and presents on children's and youth literature all across the country. He got hired at a bookstore when he was sixteen, which means he's been working at the intersection of books and people for well over half his life. He lives in Philadelphia. Visit him online at kylelukoff.com.

Kat Uno was born and raised in Hawaii, on the island of Maui. She was influenced at an early age by comics, Saturday morning cartoons, and Japanese manga. She attended the University of Hawaii and received a Bachelor of Arts. Kat loves creating artwork that is cute and fun. She is the mother of two wonderful little kids who are a constant source of inspiration. Visit her online at katuno.com