When @TinaCho first sent me the manuscript for THE OCEAN CALLS, in June of 2018, I remember feeling like I’d just wedged open an oyster to find a pearl. (The oyster in this metaphor is my inbox. Just go with it.)

This story is so special...

THE OCEAN CALLS highlights haenyeo, a subculture of women in South Korea who are basically real life mermaids. They are free divers who collect sea life to feed their families + communities. The @NewYorker did a great article on them: http://nyer.cm/dipzTZN 

This book was my first deal with a @penguinrandom imprint, so when @joannananamc called me to tell me she wanted to make an offer, I took a screenshot because I was so excited to see "Random House" pop up on my phone. (I fully recognize this is v dorky.)

I got to have coffee with @joannananamc in-person just a couple weeks after we closed, because I was in New York for a business trip! The timing was perfect.

The illustrations by @jessxsnow (repped by @WendiLuluGu! ) are so rich + vibrant. The spread with the mermaid tail shadows is *obviously* my favorite.

P.S. Check out their website to see some truly gorgeous murals!

http://jessxsnow.com 

THE OCEAN CALLS has received FOUR starred reviews, from @KirkusReviews, @PublishersWkly, @sljournal, and @ALA_Booklist, which is so exciting + flattering.

Socially distanced hugs and high fives to the team that has loved and supported this book— @KokilaBooks, @joannananamc, @Tweetpathi, @WendiLuluGu, @jessxsnow, and the author herself @TinaMCho! I can't wait for this magical book to swim into the hearts of readers everywhere.