Deep Blue, illustrated by Laura Hughes

Illustrated by Laura Hughes and written by Dashka Slater, the charming sequel to Wild Blue shows that with patience, a parent’s easygoing support, and a creative mindset, a child can gain the confidence to tackle a daunting new experience.

Swimming in the ocean can be scary, until Kayla uses her imagination to overcome her fears in this lyrical story for readers trying something new.

When Kayla’s favorite dolphin floatie loses its air at the beach, she wants to just sit on the sand. Daddy calls for her to play with him and her brother in the surf, but the DEEP BLUE SEA gulps sand out from underfoot, and a wave knocks her down, sending water up her nose. “I want to go home,” Kayla says. “I can’t swim without my dolphin.” But Daddy reminds her that she knows how to swim and even how to hold her breath underwater. He hoists her up on his shoulders and wades into the sea. “You be the island,” Kayla says. “I’ll be the lighthouse.”

Deep Blue was published by Candlewick Press on April 7th, 2026. Get your copy here!

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To work with Laura, get in contact with their agent Nicky Lander here.