Reader Views 5-Star Review: Felix and the Magic Sea ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Main characters Felix and his mother are absolutely delightful. They are both filled with warmth and light. I love Felix’s excitement about exploring the natural world around him. His transformation showcases his growth, while still keeping a connection to home and family."

"His mother demonstrates incredible strength, hope, and determination that Felix will return someday. Her journey through the passing years shows the power of love, patience, and hope."

- Lindsay DeRollo, Reader Views (August 27, 2026)

Full Review - Felix and the Magic Sea - Reader Views Editorial Reviews

His mother always warned Felix about not swimming too far out into the ocean where the sharks are, but one day an ocean current sweeps him in, and suddenly he turns into a baby shark! Their loving bond never strays, though. Throughout the years, as his mother clings to the hope that he will return one day, she is suddenly met with a surprise that is bigger than she could ever imagine! 

What a delightful story for children. Young readers will get to witness the unwavering bond between a mother and child that is never destroyed by distance or time. This magical story teaches them in a creative way how to find comfort in the fact that they will be reunited with their lost loved ones again someday, and in the meantime focus on the little miracles in life all around them. Their loved ones are never truly gone.

Main characters Felix and his mother are absolutely delightful. They are both filled with warmth and light. I love Felix’s excitement about exploring the natural world around him. His transformation showcases his growth, while still keeping a connection to home and family.

His mother demonstrates incredible strength, hope, and determination that Felix will return someday. Her journey through the passing years shows the power of love, patience, and hope.

I like the symbolism in this book, such as the ocean setting. This can represent change in life, which is simple and relatable to young readers. Also, Felix’s transformation into a baby shark can represent growth and the cycle of life.

The bright and whimsical illustrations showcase the magic of the sea, as well as Felix’s animated personality and his mother’s fierce compassion for her son. Kids will immediately be drawn into the story (I know I sure was!). It truly brings the story to life. 

The worldbuilding in this story is amazing. It allows children to imagine what might exist beyond the waves. The ocean feels magical while still being familiar to them. Also, the changing of the seasons helps communicate the passage of time and make the mother’s continued hope stand out.

This book also made me look at loss in a new light. There is still magic to be found in life, even in the aftermath. It can give children hope knowing that their loved one is always with them inside, waiting for the day they will reunite again. 

The only part of this story that was a little bit vague to me was how Felix initially stayed near his mother after turning into a baby shark, and then suddenly went away for years without any warning. Perhaps it’s up to the reader’s imagination to decide. 

I recommend Felix and the Magic Sea to all children to enjoy reading together with their families. The lessons from the story and its magic will stick with them forever.