Reading Quest: Sirens of Southwold

Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana's parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family she's got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. At the end of her freshman year, her class will be sent on a top secret weekend trial at sea. She only hopes she has what it takes to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives.

Find out the fascinating stories of ten real-life sea monsters, the myths and legends surrounding them, their discoveries and how they survive today. Around the world, sailors from ancient times onwards have told stories of colossal deep-sea creatures that capsized ships and terrorised crews. Far from home, and often venturing into the unknown, however, it's no wonder sailors put the dangers they faced down to the threat from sinister sea beasts. The oceans are mysterious places, and the deep-sea is one of the last places on Earth to be explored. So, while there may be no such thing as a sea serpent or mermaid, there are plenty of other weird and wonderful creatures lurking down there. Some of these real-life animals are the inspiration behind the sea monsters of myth. Others are so fantastical in their own right, it's difficult to believe that they actually exist.

What does the sea make you think of? Crashing waves, crumbling sandcastles - maybe a squawking seagull or two? Well, how about ghost ships! Mega sharks! The Bermuda triangle! Zombie starfish! Psychic sea serpents! And don't even get us started on something called the Hot Tub of Despair. You see, the sea is actually weird. Really weird. Not only is it full of amazing creatures and mini monsters, some of the world's most mind-blowing myths and legends revolve around the sea too. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to dive in and discover some of the incredible secrets of our weird, wonderful and totally wild oceans.

Alex Neptune is struggling to get to grips with his new oceanic powers - so the last thing he needs is Haven Bay being attacked by pirates in a ship made of rubbish. The marauders are hunting for the missing egg of the elusive water dragon - and Alex is determined to reach it first to stop them stealing its power. Along with friends Zoey and Anil - plus a clumsy seal, a lock-picking hermit crab and some seriously menacing otters - Alex sets out on a treasure hunt to a secret shipwreck where they must face three monstrous challenges.

Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together. A wonderfully silly early graphic novel series featuring three short stories and a super fun ocean fact page - and joke page too!

Meet Huxley, an irrepressible koala with BIG ideas, and his best friend, Flapjack, a rather jumpy penguin. Flapjack would rather stay at home, but for Huxley, each new day sparkles with possibility and the chance of adventure! Huxley and Flapjack are enjoying a trip to the seaside when they meet Whizz, who invites them aboard his submarine to search for the shipwreck of the Isabella. Huxley's excited to go deep-sea diving - he's sure there'll be treasure to find - but Flapjack can't help worrying. What if something BIG and FISHY finds them first.

Emerald is learning how to be a mermaid princess, but she doesn't feel like one at all. Will she be able to appear with the King and Queen at the annual Ocean Parade, and still stay true to herself?

Welcome back to the island of Egg, where a group of young puffins are training to join a search and rescue team. Meet Forti, the newest recruit. He's a bit of a dreamer and the other puffins have their work cut out looking after him! When an old wreck washes up in a storm, the puffins are told to keep away - but Forti cannot resist swimming right up to it for a closer look. But then disaster strikes and Forti's leg gets stuck in the rigging. Can Muffin, Tiny and the other puffins remain unflappable in the face of danger and save the day?

Far out to sea and deep below the whispering waves lives a merman called Nen. Nen spends his days exploring his underwater kingdom, but something is missing: his heart is empty. So, Nen ventures to the forbidden world above and it is here that he meets Ernest, a lonely fisherman. But can two people from different worlds be together and what will happen when a terrifying storm gathers? A lyrical, beautiful celebration of love, acceptance and faith, with a gentle message about how we treat our oceans, and each other.

This comical and heartfelt picture book is a winning celebration of invention, creativity, and friendship. With gorgeous underwater scenes and a crowd-pleasing tale, this is one little mermaid who is here to make a splash.