A beautiful picture book about a merman, Nen, and a lonely fisherman called Ernest, each of them yearning for something which they can't identify and don't understand, this story will provide both beauty and awareness of two men who learn to love each other. Nen loves the undersea world that is his world, but he is also different from other mermen and doesn't know why. His father, the sea king Pelagios, worries about his son and his growing interest in the world beyond the sea, and in his frustration follows Nen, who has met the lonely fisherman in his boat; they have struck up a friendship - indeed, a friendship that is fast turning into something stronger. Pelagios is very angry and turns the sea into a chopping whirlwind, and Ernest is thrown out of his boat. Rescued by Nen, they are soon on the shore where Nen looks after his Ernest, and they accept their love. Pelagios, who has not realised that Ernest is also different from other men, that he is not only lonely but also loves taking care of the sea and its birds, is careful to remove people's rubbish and things that spoil the beach and is altogether a wonderful help to Pelagios' beautiful sea. Pelagios now understands that his beloved son has found what he is looking for and needs. The ecology aspect of the story also gives a very modern theme which will appeal. The illustrations are outstanding, sea-based with many blues and soft colours, and this story of love and acceptance will appeal to children of all ages.