Can Oona the mermaid figure out how to get Stanley the hammerhead shark to be her friend?A little, cherubic, dark-skinned mermaid with an epic Afro has no problem making friends with sea creatures of all sorts. She navigates her undersea world with an endearing combination of confidence, care, charm, and creativity that wins everyone over…except for Stanley. Oona shares some of her prized possessions with him-a fishing hat, a loud musical horn, and a squeaky, inflatable unicorn swimming tube-in an attempt to strike up a friendship, but Stanley doesn't take to the items in the least. She then tries to win him over with her flashy inventions, but he is engrossed in his seashell collection, and Oona only succeeds in rankling him. Exasperated but determined, she resorts to throwing a big party; alas, Stanley doesn't even attend. Only when she dives down to the ocean floor in defeat and experiences complete peace and quiet does she realize what she needs to do to connect with the shy shark. Inspired, she goes to her workshop and carefully creates a special invention that draws Stanley right to her side. Figueroa's digital watercolor illustrations use washes and blooms effectively to convey an underwater atmosphere, though the shifting color scheme creates a slightly disjointed visual experience. Oona's missteps and eventual success will inspire children to be more observant and tolerant of personalities that are different from their own.A welcome addition to the vast sea of friendship books for children. (Picture book. 4-8)

PreS-Gr 2 In this sequel to Oona , Oona is an enthusiastic mermaid who makes friends easily with other mermaids and sea animals, including otters, pelicans, seahorses, and hermit crabs. She gets along with everyone except introverted Stanley, a large gray hammerhead shark who enjoys playing quietly with his seashell collection and avoids loud, energetic Oona whenever possible. Although the Black, naturally curly-haired mermaid does her best to befriend the large creature, she is continually disappointed that her attempts only push him further away. Disappointed, she swims to the ocean floor, where the silence lets her reflect on the possible reasons for Stanley's unfriendliness. Oona is an inveterate inventor, and she thoughtfully creates a machine that intrigues the standoffish shark until the two of them discover a blossoming friendship, based on calm and quiet companionship. Intriguing illustrations filled with underwater details, colors, and effects such as filtered sunlight reveal the flora and fauna of Oona's ocean. VERDICT In an SEL lesson for all ages, Oona learns that fun can be loud, filled with "hopping and chopping and popping," but it can also be quiet camaraderie with individuals happily sharing time together.Maryann H. Owen