2016 Book Excellence Finalist Award - Children's Fiction 2015 Global Ebook Award Wi1nner - Children's Literature Fiction 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award Winner - Children's Fiction 2015 Cipa Evvy Merit Award - Children's Story books When eight-year-old Saroya loses her mother, her usually absent father takes her on a cruise for her birthday, which he forgets to celebrate. Devastated and very seasick, the little girl falls off the ship, trying to catch a locket that belonged to her beloved mother. Saroya is then rescued by a dolphin who takes her to the magical Animia Island, where she meets Josephine, a stuffed puppet; her son, Little Joe; Calista the conch; Jonbl the baseball glove; and the adorable Spoon. They, among others, were all unwanted and are now animate-alive. Through her new friends, the birthday girl learns she is not alone and that where there is life, there is love. Illustrations by: Lynnda Rakos