Happy Book Birthday: THE OCEAN CALLS: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story Plus Giveaway

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Early in June, you joined me to sing Happy Book Birthday for one of my awesome critique buddies, Tina Cho. And now, just two months later, we are ready to celebrate with her again…for yet another picture book! Tina…you are on fire, girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THE OCEAN CALLS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

THE OCEAN CALLSWritten by Tina Cho and illustrated by Jess X. Snow and published by Kokila, the book has already received starred reviews!

 Striking digital artwork by Snow (Black Girl Magic) captures the swirl of the ocean currents, the contrast between the sun’s citrus hues and the ocean’s blues, and the bounty of sea life. In one spread, Snow shows grandmother and granddaughter heading for the beach as the sun casts shadows behind them that look like mermaid’s tails. Sturdy prose by Cho (Rice from Heaven) highlights a segment of Korean society whose women preserve a vibrant tradition of enterprise, stamina, and cooperation, and Grandma shines as a kind of generous real-life superhero. Back matter offers additional information about ““Korea’s granny mermaids.” – Publisher’s Weekly

 This expressive story is a must-have for any collection. As a bonus, the back matter provides extensive history on the haenyeo tradition, along with safety protocols and quotes from divers. – School Library Journal

OCEAN CALLS INSIDE 3We are so lucky because Tina is offering a copy of this glorious book as a giveaway, so please make sure you leave a comment for a chance to win. Why not share if you’ve ever found treasures at the beach. For extra tickets in the giveaway hat, please share this post on social media (Facebook is still not a fan of my WordPress URL, so you will have to circumvent that if you share on FB).

The book is available for purchase at all bookstores…here’s a link for my wonderful Indie that is still offering free shipping to US addresses, Toadstool Books: https://www.toadbooks.com/book/9781984814869

And to leave a review on Amazon (these are very important), please go here.

OCEAN CALLS INSIDE 2

I am just so darn proud of Tina and the beautiful books she is creating! I learn so much with every story she writes!

I hope you all have a wonderful week! I’m continuing to pack – just donated a couple of boxes of art books to the art teacher at the Amherst Middle School – I’m excited to share the love my late husband had for art by sharing the books he treasured.

39 thoughts on “Happy Book Birthday: THE OCEAN CALLS: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story Plus Giveaway”

  2. Congratulations dear Tina on another super story sharing life in Korea that we probably would never have known if it were not for these beautiful books. I can’t wait to get a copy in my hand. Silly me only ordered one from Amazon so will have to order another for one of my hubby’s great niece who is half korean and half kiwi. She and her mother will love this story as they have loved Rice from Heaven Congrats again dear writing buddy… as Vivian has said You are on Fire!

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  9. The illustration with the mermaid tail shadows is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing a sneak peek of this beautiful book with us. As someone who loves to search for fossils, shells, and other ocean treasures, I know I’ll enjoy reading this.

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  10. Tina, you’re going to need a bigger bookshelf soon. This sounds like such a unique and charming book. So excited for you, my friend. Thanks, Vivian, for your highlighting this one.

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  11. Wow! This definitely looks like a book my daughter and I would love to read together. The artwork is breathtaking and the subject is attention grabbing. Win-Win. Happiest day’O bookbirth, Tina Cho & The Ocean Calls.

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  12. I got to go snorkeling in the ocean and had a sea turtle brush against my leg–freaked me out because I never saw it coming. Best treasures I ever found on beaches are the abandoned shells (I have them in a glass jar decorating my bathroom). This book is beautiful! Thank you for the chance. I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/625537281378369536/happy-book-birthday-the-ocean-calls-a-haenyeo

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  13. This story is just fascinating! I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations, Tina! I always search for treasures on the beach, but lately I’ve been intent on finding heart rocks. I’ve hauled home some great ones, sagging my pockets. The beach is one of my favorite places to go!

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  19. Amherst Middle is lucky to get the art books. What a lovely way to know your husband is still there in spirit.

    This book looks just amazing.I love reading about strong traditions.

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