by Vera Brosgol
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Content: There are some mildly scary moments, and the plot does hinge upon people getting married. It’s in the Middle Grade Graphic Novel section of the bookstore.

Jane’s parents have died in a freak fish cart accident, and because they have no surviving male heir, the house and assets will go to Jane’s odious cousin. That is, unless she gets married. She wants to keep her house, so she proposes to the prettiest boy in town, Peter, who wants to get out of the fish business. Except he’s charmed by a mermaid and dragged to the depths of the sea to marry her instead. Jane – determined to keep the house – goes after him. Adventures ensue. 

Brosgol says in the afterward that she’s always wanted to write a folktale, and this certainly qualifies. It’s less about the plot and more about Jane’s growth, realizing that she is worth more than what she looks like and that she is capable of achieving what she desires. There’s a strong anti-beauty culture message throughout the whole book, which I think Brosgol manages without being didactic or heavy-handed. And the art, like all of Brosgol’s books, is just delightful. 

I hope there are kids who will find this and enjoy it, because I did!