Monster Down Deep - Amy Fellner Dominy

Cassie is a beachcomber who is on the hunt for a diamond necklace that was lost at sea after a yacht sank. It's during one of her searches that she meets TJ, a fellow beachcomber and potential threat to her spoils. It's also where she meets Blue, a very unusual fish whose life is in danger.  Time is of the essence for both Blue and the necklace but can Cassie trust TJ in order to do what it right?

Cassie and her dad are close since the death of her mum when she was only 3. The pair share a love of the ocean and when Cassie isn't scouring the sands, she loves nothing more than spending time at the local aquarium where her dad is an aquarist. She is a fiercely determined character with a love of sea-life; in fact she seems to have an uncanny affiliation with it, and this become apparent when she meets Blue (who makes the most wonderful character in his own right). Then there's TJ who is furiously annoying in Cassie's eyes and a threat to her beachcombing.   The pair spark off each other but both are harbouring secrets about themselves.

Told in dual narrative, Monster Down Deep gives the unique voice of Blue and a fish-eyed view of the world. It's a delightful take on the narrative and one that means readers will find themselves losing a bit of their heart to this unusually wonderful fish.

Monster Down Deep is a gorgeous story that will enchant readers. With just the right amount of adventure and daring.  It's a captivating read that I gobbled up in a morning because I couldn't bare to leave that Southern California beach!  It's about being brave and being fierce; it's about family, friendship and overcoming your fears, and it's the perfect read to warm your heart during these dreary winter days.

I was lucky enough to have 2 copies of Monster Down Deep (a proof and a final version) so a child in my class who devours books and I read the book at the same time last weekend.  Here's what she thought:  Entrancing all the way through, this meaningful book had me captured from the very first word.  This is unputdownable!  My mood rose and dropped with the book; it's outstanding.  The adventure, the determination, the friendship weaved into this really shows the love that this was written with.  It was like I was right there with them.  A perfect animal book for all ages.  

Monster Down Deep publishes on the 12th February.