Little Orchid’s Sea Monster Trouble is about Lee (Little) Orchid, a nine-year-old girl in Singapore in 1965, who can’t swim and is afraid of sea monsters. Her siblings tease her constantly about her fear and when rumors of a giant monster circulate, she believes the Giant Cuttlefish is the culprit flinging small fish to shore. And she’s determined to prove to everyone that she’s right. The story takes a big turn at chapter seven that I wasn’t expecting. Little Orchid transforms into a "monster" and runs away from home, taking us on an adventure.

I like how Claudine Gueh Yanting gave life to the sea creatures and created a world under the sea complete with lobster royalty. She gave the sea creature’s voices and feelings, and even fear for seaweed monsters (fishermen). I also enjoyed reading about the Singapore culture.

This is a very cute story with a message of family, love, and self-worth woven into its charming plot. I had tears in my eyes while reading the climax. Children and adults alike would enjoy this story as I did.