Stefano the Squid Hero of the Deep

This was a hit in assembly which is really the greatest test of all. The illustrations by Duncan Beedie are humorous, bold and engaging and each page shows delightful under the sea characters.
 
Well, some of them are not quite so delightful as they all think they are rather special and are a little bit arrogant when it comes to seeing their own charms under the sea. Poor old Stefano just feels he cannot compete and says himself that he is only a common squid. The story will be familiar to lots of us as it is really about finding ways to shine our own light and believe in ourselves. The boldness of the illustrations and the humour with which the story is presented makes it very appealing. All the sea creatures are vying to be the best so they will be filmed by the under-water crew and be TV stars as a result. They tease Stefano who doesn’t appear to have any talents – unlike the angler fish, for example, who has a deadly weapon. Some creatures are a little more sympathetic…. ‘Try to look more like a vegetable’ suggests the sea cucumber!
 
In the end Stefano actually saves the day-of course-and he and his friend, the sea cucumber get to meet Henrietta Fierce, the presenter of Deep Sea TV so all ends happily as they mostly should in this under the sea setting. It’s a great, entertaining read for all ages.