Ishii is known for her knitted miniatures, and readers may recognize her style from her other books of small-scale knitting patterns. Here, inspired by her lifelong love of ocean and beach, she offers 25 patterns for fish and other sea creatures, mermaids, sailors, even a yellow submarine. These creations are meant to be fun characters rather than to-scale accurate representations, and the reader is encouraged to use whatever yarn they have stashed, regardless of fiber content or weight. Each of the items is knitted, some have crochet elements (mostly fish fins), and only a few specific knitting techniques and basic crochet instructions are outlined. All the patterns are written only, with the exception of the Blue Tang, which also includes a chart. As all patterns in the book were created with U.S. size 2 (2.

75mm) knitting needles, needle size is not listed in the patterns themselves, and there is no reference to gauge. This book is a good fit for knitters comfortable working without rigid parameters. -- Anne Heidemann Booklist 2016.