Happy publication day!

Annet Shaap's novel is published in the english language, translated from the dutch, today and I could not possibly not recommend this book! It is quite obvious why this debut novel has already won 4 awards including the best Dutch children's book of the year for 2018.

I loved the premise of it, mermaids, pirates, lighthouses, monsters.. which is why I requested it from #Netgalley in the first place. And it did not dissappoint. In fact, it suprised me on how well the author weaved in some very important topics all the while keeping it middle grade friendly in without simplifying them. Trigger warnings to be inserted here are child abuse and neglect.

Very atmospheric setting, quite a darker and sadder story than I expected but beautiful nonetheless, clever character development and just stunning illustrations! Annet Shaap is known in the Netherlands especially due to her illustrations skills and one can clearly see why! I thought the translation was beautifully executed but I would gladly re-read this in Dutch as I always love reading books in their original language if possible. So a Middle Grade book like this sounds like it fits like a glove for that as my Dutch is quite dusty!

Loved the main character called Lampie and I felt like I wanted to hug her so many times throughout the story which examines the sometimes darker side of human nature that is weary about the 'different' and 'unknown'. Very important to have these books nowadays when these matters have become all the more relevant and prominent and I hope it continues that way in all possible genres and target groups.

Thank you Netgalley and Charlesbridge Publications for sending me the eArc in an exchange for an honest review.

#spoonfulofhygge #ofsaltandshore #netgalley #happypublicationday #publicationday #bookpublicationday #charlesbridge #annetshaap #middlegrade #middlegradebook #2020books