We are in the heart of summer and all things ocean are popping into my life, time for summer fun, and beach reads. This book, Pearl of the Sea, published by Catalyst Press, is an absolute gem. It is a full length Graphic Novel that encapsulates life beside the ocean in a small South African seaside town.
Pearl of the Sea
by Anthony Silverstone, Raffaella Delle Donne and Willem Samuel
This is an epic story of a young girl who loves the ocean. It is a fabulous, coming of age, graphic novel, the magic of childhood is quietly washed away as Pearl discovers there is more to life than snorkelling in the beautiful blue ocean…
Turns out there is quite a lot for an ordinary child to overcome. Pearl’s mom has abandoned her and her dad, who is trying to make a living for both of them in a typical West Coast village. Pearl is able to fish and support their income, all the while skipping school for snorkelling, and she finds herself dodging police and poachers, alike. Meanwhile, she becomes friends with a giant sea monster, actually an octopus.
The story is fast paced, the illustrations are rich and colourful and powerful. This was a a great full length novel and an excellent read. I love how the authors have captured the “local is lekker vibe” of a small South African coastal town.
I really enjoyed this read and I would recommend this to teen readers and graphic novel readers of all ages. If you are looking to add a great South African themed story to your homeschool, then this would be a great place to start.
This book was given to us for review purposes by Catalyst Press. This is not a sponsored post and opinions expressed are entirely our own.