Twins Ben and Sophie are excited to be going on a family vacation to the Cayman Islands during their two-week winter break—even though the dark shadow of their dad’s alcoholism hangs over them. But it’s their eleventh birthday, and they’re going to have fun no matter what. Meanwhile, their mother, Kate, struggles to keep it together, even though she knows something has to change.
When the twins’ dad, Sam, yells at them on the morning of their birthday, Sophie and Ben decide to take their daysailer, The Sea Jewel, out for a spin. But they quickly find themselves in trouble out at sea, and the boat capsizes in a storm. What happens next sends the children on a magical undersea adventure; they meet a variety of angelic sea creatures who enlighten the twins on their journey of self-discovery. As they swim through shipwrecks, caves, and tunnels, by reefs, walls, and the sea animals of Grand Cayman, Ben and Sophie face their fears, look beyond appearances, and search for the hidden treasure.
About the author
Joyce Carol Margolin is a retired school speech-language pathologist who holds a MS in speech-language pathology from the State University of New York at Albany and a BA in psychology from the State University of New York at Oneonta. She has made it her life’s mission to help children become better communicators, discover their talents, and believe in themselves. She is a veteran scuba diver who loves the reefs, shipwrecks, and walls of Grand Cayman. Joyce and her husband, Steve, live in California.
Carol Dinallo Hall is a former registered nurse with a BSN from the University of Vermont and a MEd in health from Boston University. Carol grew up in a family wounded by an alcoholic father. She has three grown children and four grandchildren and currently works with spirituality, herbalism, energy work, and sound healing to enhance wellness in others. Carol’s son, Brendon Hall, the illustrator, has a BFA in illustration. Carol lives in Florida.