The Big One by Dashka Slater, Myo Yim
Genres: Adventure, Folklore, Realistic Fiction, Suspense
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Avast! There’s a Big One in the waters of a fictional coastal town, and a grandmother and her small granddaughter are determined to catch it. In this refreshing, intergenerational story Nana and Marina believe they have the “grit and the gumption” to haul it in. With many failed attempts, and a variety of different bait, Marina starts to doubt that they’ll be able to catch it. (It is odd that they chose peaches, cantaloupes, and other tropical fruits). But after singing a few sea shanties and drifting out to the open sea, something giant nudges the boat. Something much bigger is in need of their help, as a tangled whale bursts up beside them. Nana cuts the fishing ropes and her and Marina are able to come back to shore with a boat full of fish and an awe-inspiring story.

The strongest trait of this book is the pencil and pastel illustrations by Myo Yim which depict a quaint and colorful seaside town and aquamarine ocean. The harbor community is diverse and the intergenerational heroes are inspirational. Any coastal Maine library will not regret adding this one to its picture book collection. Ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath