Umijoo: The Wondrous Tale of a Curious Girl and Her Journey Under the Sea

by Casson Trenor, Caia Koopman (Illustrations)

GOLD MEDAL --Nautilus Book Awards (2019)

GOLD MEDAL -- Readers' Favorite Illustration Award (2020)

SILVER MEDAL -- Readers' Favorite Book Award (2020)

BRONZE MEDAL -- Independent Publisher Book Award for Book Design (2020)

Written by ocean conservationist Casson Trenor, illustrated by pop surrealist Caia Koopman, and crafted to resonate with all ages, Umijoo is the tale of a curious girl who, with the help of a little magic, journeys underwater to learn about the dangers facing our ocean directly from the creatures that call it home. A story of love, responsibility, and balance, Umijoo aims to educate and inspire a new generation of ocean defenders.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy

66 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2019

Reviews

[Cassandra Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunning, captivating, and exquisitely beautiful. From the rich surreal illustrations to the brilliant prose. It takes us on a young girl’s journey as she learns what it is to love.

The author weaves a magickal tale with the vision to educate, teach reverence, and respect for the ocean and its inhabitants. He instills a sense of wonder while explaining the interconnectedness of our actions on the planet.

Not only is it written for children, but as an adult, I found it provocative in exploring deeper meaning. This book is absolutely inspiring and has deeply touched my heart. It is amazing and one of a kind. With my whole being, do I highly recommend this incredible work of art.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some of the most beautiful artwork I have seen in a picture book. It looks to be influenced by the Japanese colorful style of tattoo work, the ones depicting legendary characters. The colors are fantastic.

[Kari Hunter (Wagoner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and absolutely stunning illustrations. Definitely my new favorite children’s book (that’s actually good for all ages).

[Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an agenda. Great imagery though. (Words and illustrations.)

[Gizmonster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous through and through!

[Joann McPike · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely magical book. The pores and the most beautiful artwork keep children of all ages spellbound.

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a cute story. The art is very beautiful, though the eyes on the bunnies were a bit scary to me. I loved the sea creatures the most, they were beautiful illustrated.

[Deryka Tso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very convicted and the poetry is lovely~

They lost me a little bit at the illustration with the tentacles but that’s just because I’m not innocent. This would be cool for a kid~

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly gorgeous. Both the illustrations and the message of ocean conservation.

[Ad Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feast for the eyes. I almost considered buying a copy because the illustrations are both beautiful and just slightly unnerving. They're incredibly rich, and the story is dense as well.

[Nuji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning and mesmerizing art with a lyrical and meaningful story.

[Doug Stotland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sublime illustrations. I love them so much and have them sitting on the coffee table for regular flip throughs.

[J9]

Beautifully detailed and engaging artwork.
Entirely too much text for a fiction picture book and enough rhyme scheming to get tedious for this reader.