Anemone Is Not the Enemy

In this informative picture book told entirely through dialogue, bright pink Anemone is lonely in a tide pool. At high tide, three multicolored fish enter, but they're suspicious of smiling Anemone ("Whatever you do, don't get too close"); at low tide, it is revealed why: when the fish crowd Anemone, a full-page spread shows the now frowning figure's inadvertent sting. Anemone feels discouraged by this common scenario: "I'm trying to make friends, not enemies./ So why do I always sting everyone?" But an encounter with Clownfish soon shows that there's a friend for everyone. Digital illustrations in a light-colored palette have a kid-friendly, hand-drawn look, and extra details will reward careful readers. A lack of upfront explanation about why Anemone stings may confuse some, and an ominous end for the three fishes strikes an odd note, but this picture book by author-illustrator McGregor will appeal to budding marine biologists. Ages 5-7. (June)

"This is, at first glance, a very simple, quite quirky and humorous picture book, with minimal text and appealing, colourful, digitally produced illustrations. But it is also a fascinating introduction to life in a rock pool: who lives there, who visits when the tide comes in, who is stung by the anemone and who it can form a symbiotic relationship with." — Margaret Hamilton, Books+Publishing

"This fun and funny picture book tells the story of Anemone who lives in a rock pool and desperately wants a friend ... The digitally produced illustrations add so much to this title, from the eye catching neon pink used for the title, endpapers, and titular character to the simple yet sweetly drawn and coloured sea horse, starfish, and sea cucumber ... I would highly recommend Anemone is not the Enemy for young readers especially those interested in the natural world." — Anne Varnes, Reading Time

"[Anenome is not the Enemy's] dappled art has an appropriately aquatic feel, with the gentle blue of the tides interrupted by the neon zaps of Anemone's stingers. McGregor visually includes simple marine life facts into the backdrop of Anemone's dilemma and then expands upon them in the 'Fun Facts' backmatter, making this a mini-science lesson wrapped in a sweet friendship story." — BCCB

"Terrific neon-hued read-aloud fun." — Sara Keating, The Sunday Business Post

"Utterly charming, and the dialogue between the creatures makes it a fun read aloud ... Simple but oh-so-effective, this is a brilliant book for introducing children to the idea of nature's partnerships. —The Little Literary Society

"Even someone socially awkward can find a friend. A habit of stinging keeps lonely Anemone from making friends, but for a clownfish, Anemone is just the right companion ... (The last fact will be familiar to anyone who's seen Disney's Finding Nemo.) ... Attentive readers will be intrigued."
-Kirkus Reviews