Sherri the Shrimp Saves the Day

By: George J. Linsenmeyer, III
Illustrated by: Carolyn Hampton
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: September 24, 2024
ISBN: 979-8-89132-343-8
Reviewed by: Anne Hubbard
Review Date: August 23, 2024

Sherri the Shrimp Saves the Day, by George J. Linsenmeyer, is the heartwarming story of a determined little shrimp who proves that even if you’re small, you can still make a big difference.

Our story begins in the deep blue ocean, as Kevin the Crab finds himself discouraged because he cannot find his friend Octavius the Octopus anywhere. With the help of Larry the Lobster, the two friends set out on a mission to find their missing friend Octavius. They have no luck locating him, and pretty soon, the entire ocean has joined in the search.

Steve the Swordfish appears and quickly tells everyone that he has found Octavius, and that they must get to him right away. All of the ocean animals are surprised to see their friend Octavius trapped in a cage. The friends don’t waste any time in trying to break him out. First, Steve the Swordfish saws at the cage bars with no success. Next, Larry the Lobster claws at the cage bars, but the bars do not budge. Kevin the Crab then tries to squeeze the bars with his powerful pinchers, but it does not work. Sam the Seahorse then claims that he has a plan to bring help to free Octavius, so he races away. When he returns hours later, the friends see that he has Sherri the Shrimp with him. Sherri is the smallest of everyone, and all her bigger, stronger friends have tried and failed to free Octavius. Will Sherri be able to save poor Octavius from the clutches of the cage?

With all of its adorable sea characters, Linsenmeyer has written a charming children’s book that young kids are sure to enjoy. It was especially catchy how Linsenmeyer used alliteration to name each creature in the story. Not only is the story a fun read, but it also teaches kids how to distinguish between various sea creatures, as well as their differing characteristics that makes each one unique.

Parents will love this story for its messages of perseverance and teamwork, as the friends first all work together to find Octavius and then, work together to try to free him from the cage. This book also provides a valuable lesson for young readers, particularly those who might be smaller than their friends. Rather than allowing this to be a hindrance, kids will learn from Sherri the Shrimp that even the smallest of creatures can be a hero and save the day!

Quill says: With its endearing characters and vivid, entertaining illustrations, Sherri the Shrimp Saves the Day will be loved by both beginning readers and their parents alike.

For more information on Sherri the Shrimp Saves the Day, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/sherri-the-shrimp-saves-the-day-by-george-j-linsenmeyer/