This whimsical story is a perfect escape from the stresses of real life. Linus’ boring, rule bound life is quickly thrown into an exhilarating twist when he’a sent on assignment to inspect an orphanage full of magically dangerous children. These characters are completely endearing and quickly teach us that they are much more than the label by which they are known. I fully rooted for each of them. And while the magic of these characters enthralled, the messages about the power of kindness and the destructive nature of prejudice resound in a poetic way. I am a reluctant reader of the fantasy genre. But this mini vacation to the Cerulean Sea was an uplifting treat.