A hilariously offbeat, mostly underwater adventure about a girl who finally meets her absent father – only to discover that he's not exactly human. Winner of the Ampersand Prize!
Aside from her school burning down (twice!), Becky's life is fairly predictable – and that's just how she likes it. So when her dad turns up out of the blue, she's not interested in meeting him. After all, he's a total stranger. And kind of strange. But Becky can't help wondering: what's the Ceremony of the Waves he insists on taking her to? Why did he leave her and her mum? Why is he so keen to get into the ocean? And … why does he smell like fish?
This brilliantly funny middle-grade novel brims with merfolk, surprising sea creatures and villainous platypuses, and cleverly weaves in themes of friendship, masculinity and family ties – making it a must-read book for libraries, classrooms and book clubs.
Published September 1, 2026
Ages 9+