About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling to welcome a new romantic partner into the family or is still processing the protective grief of losing a mother. Josephine is a spirited eleven year old in Barbados who uses her wits and cricket skills to sabotage her father's dating life. When she accidentally summons a dangerous sea creature from Caribbean mythology who masquerades as her father's new girlfriend, the stakes become literal and magical. This story is a perfect bridge for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who enjoy high energy adventure but need a safe space to explore complex feelings like jealousy, territoriality, and the fear of being replaced. By externalizing the 'threat' of a new stepmother as a mythological monster, the book allows children to validate their defensive instincts while eventually learning that their father's heart has enough room for both new love and a daughter's devotion.
