  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 05/15/2020 *Starred Review* This beautifully illustrated picture book is set on Jeju Island in South Korea, home of the haenyeo, legendary women divers who hunt for deep-sea delicacies. Young Dayeon wants to dive, just like Grandma, but is afraid of getting water up her nose or being eaten by some scary underwater creature. Grandma is patient, and just like her mother taught her, teaches Dayeon breath control and how to stay safe in the ocean as they gradually venture out farther and deeper. A sudden swarm of dolphins is a warning that hungry sharks are headed their way. Grandma and Dayeon swim as fast as they can, and are pulled up to safety by other haenyeo. Dayeon feels protected and at home, just like a mermaid surrounded by ocean treasures. Swirling blues and purples are juxtaposed against brilliant oranges and yellows, depicting rich vistas, and back matter explains the origins of the haenyeo and what their lives are like today. Use this sweet story about family tradition, trust, and confidence to support STEM units on weather and tides, sea life, and ecology (the haenyeo are model conservationists). This engaging story with its alluring illustrations also makes a wonderful choice for a read-aloud. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Loading...
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