Journey Through the ­Waterfall

Gr 2-5–An engaging series debut that ­follows Lily Willowjal as she rushes to help an injured baby otter in need. A Water Gem, Lily has magical powers to uphold her duty of protecting aquatic animals, including the ability to become a mermaid. Determined to save the otter, Lily sets off on a journey to find magical healing flowers, traveling through unfamiliar places ­alongside a mix of loyal friends and reluctant frenemies. Along the way, she must face her fears and learn that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless—it means doing the right thing even when she’s scared. The story centers themes that will strongly resonate with its intended age group—friendship, teamwork, kindness, and courage—as Lily navigates ­moments of doubt, conflict, and trust. The challenges she faces are meaningful without being overwhelming, ­making the story both comforting and ­exciting. One of the standout elements of this book is its ­artwork. The ­vibrant ­illustrations shimmer like gemstones and bring Lily’s magical world to life. When the story turns sad or tense, darker colors are used to represent pain, fear, or worry. This thoughtful use of color will help readers better understand the characters’ emotions while deepening the overall atmosphere of the story. Lily is depicted with light brown skin, with friends and family of various skin tones.