About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like they are the only person in the world who is constantly making embarrassing mistakes or feeling out of place. This humorous science fiction adventure follows Shirley, a young girl whose life feels like a series of mishaps until she is suddenly transformed into a hagfish, a creature known for its slime and lack of traditional beauty. Through this wacky premise, the book explores the messy reality of sibling rivalry and family dynamics. It is an excellent choice for 7 to 10 year olds who respond well to humor as a way to process social anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Parents will appreciate how the story normalizes the chaos of childhood while reinforcing the idea that being different, or even a bit slimy, is okay. It provides a lighthearted way to discuss resilience and the importance of self acceptance when things do not go as planned.
