Waterstone's Books Quarterly, Claire Bain, Issue 16, 2005 Dougal's family have a common trait - they cannot see what is going on behind their backs. Dougal ventures under the ocean and keeps a diary about his search to find the lost city of Atlantis. He thinks he's alone but he can't see the mermaids and mermen all around him who guide him safely to the underwater city. Eastern Daily Press, 17 May 2005 Dougal has a very boring job but very interesting hobby - deep-sea diving - and some exciting and unusual things happen when he goes on holiday. I particularily like the way the story is written in diary form along with the dya and the time that events happen, which makes the whole text interesting and gives the opportunity for jokes, such as 9.32 set sail. Hope we don't sink. 9.33 not sunk yet! The illustrations are even more imaginative than the text, and so full of detailed pictures, using fantastically vibrant colours, which make the whole book come alive. I knew this was going t be something special just by looking at the cover and I wasn't disappointed. Nicola Bevan, Junior Education, July 2005 Dougals' Deep-Sea Diary by Simon Bartram takes us to a world where mythical characters greet us like old friends. Although Dougal seems sad on his commuter train, below the waves he soon rediscovers his smile. But will our hero ever notice the teasing mermaid or the ghostly pirate? This book is as colourful and surprising as a coral reef, and children will want to explore it again and again.