EMILY WINDSNAP AND THE MONSTER FROM THE DEEP

No sooner does Emily Windsnap arrive with her newly reunited parents at an ocean abode, then she is off to explore with her mermaid acquaintances. The lure of undersea caverns and forbidden seas is strong, as well as the desire to establish strong friendships. It doesn't take long for Emily's curiosity to upset the age-old balance of King Neptune's realm. Character differentiation is key in Kessler's novel as chapters are alternately told from different points of view. For Emily, Williams exudes freshness and curiosity; for her nemesis, Mandy, Williams deprecates and whines. The urgency of calming the Kraken comes through in pacing and elongated narration. A.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]