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A small, adorable, pinkish-purple blob of watercolor comes to life as a slug—one with a story to tell. Creeping along land is cumbersome, so the little slug takes "to the sea to be free." There, he harmoniously floats, glides, and swims. When other sea creatures call him silly for using seaweed for a bed, the slug embraces his uniqueness, declaring, "I am happy. Life is swell." The white whale, curious, asks the slug what his secret must be. The protagonist exclaims, "I am merely me," adding he is and does what "comes naturally."
Through her undersea tale, Emerson provides readers, both young and old, with important lessons about the interconnectedness of all life, one's purpose, and the importance of embracing what makes each person unique (just as the sea slug and other ocean creatures do). When every being is respected for their own qualities and abilities—that which makes them distinctive—life is incredibly more precious. The creatures in the ocean's depths, depicted beautifully here, are portrayed in vibrant, attractive illustrations that complement both the text and the narrative's tone.
As significant as the story itself is Emerson's inclusion of an informative companion section for adults, featuring—among other things—activities with children, which apply the concepts explored. Here, notes of advice are presented, along with suggested activities for parents, teachers, and caregivers to undertake with children. It is precisely this after-story "companion section" which raises this picture book from just another in the sea of many, to something truly special, worth reading and sharing.