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Mother of Sharks

Author Melissa Cristina Márquez
Illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz
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Hardcover
$19.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Penguin Workshop
10.44"W x 10.38"H x 0.42"D   | 17 oz | 24 per carton
On sale May 30, 2023 | 48 Pages | 978-0-593-52358-2
Age 5-8 years | Grades K-3
Reading Level: Lexile 620L | Fountas & Pinnell P
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Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez teams up with award-winning illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz to create an informative, powerful picture book. With lyrical writing and gorgeous art, this moving story explores Melissa’s personal journey from inquisitive ocean-loving child in Puerto Rico to becoming the Mother of Sharks.

As the sun sets over another gorgeous day at la Playita Del Condado in Puerto Rico, Meli doesn't want to go home. She loves the ocean more than anything, and with only five minutes left at the beach, she knows exactly where her last stop should be: the tidal pools. They are small universes of their own teeming with critters and creatures of the ocean. While looking into the pools, she meets a crab, Jaiba, who takes her on a dreamlike underwater adventure, teaches her about the importance of shark conservation, and reveals Meli's ultimate destiny: to become the Mother of Sharks.  

Blending the autobiographical with the fantastical, Melissa Cristina Márquez shares her incredible story not only to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures but also to pave the way for Latinas in STEM. Paired with Devin Elle Kurtz's vibrant, emotive illustrations, this picture book is an irresistible journey through the wonders of the ocean and, above all, a rallying cry for marine conservation.
“Readers will soak up the vividly illustrated underwater scenes alongside the important message to follow their passions… children from marginalized backgrounds will be especially heartened by Márquez’s encouraging tale… A magical story for budding scientists.” —Kirkus Reviews
Melissa Cristina Márquez View titles by Melissa Cristina Márquez
Devin Elle Kurtz lives in San Diego, California, with her dog, Kira, and her thirty-three houseplants. She's been painting in Photoshop since the age of two when her artist mom first offered her a tablet pen. Her focus is magical scenes that combine fantasy elements with environments that feel visceral and real. She has worked in the animation industry as a background painter/designer and visual development artist since 2017. She was the lead background painter on “Disenchantment” at Rough Draft Studios from 2019-2021, and has contributed to publications such as Beasts of the Four Nations, Escape from Atlantis, How to Heal a Gryphon, and Mother of Sharks. The Bakery Dragon is her first picture book as an author-illustrator. View titles by Devin Elle Kurtz

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About

Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez teams up with award-winning illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz to create an informative, powerful picture book. With lyrical writing and gorgeous art, this moving story explores Melissa’s personal journey from inquisitive ocean-loving child in Puerto Rico to becoming the Mother of Sharks.

As the sun sets over another gorgeous day at la Playita Del Condado in Puerto Rico, Meli doesn't want to go home. She loves the ocean more than anything, and with only five minutes left at the beach, she knows exactly where her last stop should be: the tidal pools. They are small universes of their own teeming with critters and creatures of the ocean. While looking into the pools, she meets a crab, Jaiba, who takes her on a dreamlike underwater adventure, teaches her about the importance of shark conservation, and reveals Meli's ultimate destiny: to become the Mother of Sharks.  

Blending the autobiographical with the fantastical, Melissa Cristina Márquez shares her incredible story not only to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures but also to pave the way for Latinas in STEM. Paired with Devin Elle Kurtz's vibrant, emotive illustrations, this picture book is an irresistible journey through the wonders of the ocean and, above all, a rallying cry for marine conservation.

Praise

“Readers will soak up the vividly illustrated underwater scenes alongside the important message to follow their passions… children from marginalized backgrounds will be especially heartened by Márquez’s encouraging tale… A magical story for budding scientists.” —Kirkus Reviews

Author

Melissa Cristina Márquez View titles by Melissa Cristina Márquez
Devin Elle Kurtz lives in San Diego, California, with her dog, Kira, and her thirty-three houseplants. She's been painting in Photoshop since the age of two when her artist mom first offered her a tablet pen. Her focus is magical scenes that combine fantasy elements with environments that feel visceral and real. She has worked in the animation industry as a background painter/designer and visual development artist since 2017. She was the lead background painter on “Disenchantment” at Rough Draft Studios from 2019-2021, and has contributed to publications such as Beasts of the Four Nations, Escape from Atlantis, How to Heal a Gryphon, and Mother of Sharks. The Bakery Dragon is her first picture book as an author-illustrator. View titles by Devin Elle Kurtz

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