• Creator: Steven Hutton
• Publisher: US Games Systems, Inc. https://www.usgamesinc.com/tarot-of-tides
• Publication Date: January 2026
• RRP: US $23.95 / GB £28.00
• ISBN: 978-1-64671-2773
• Reviewed by: Mary du Plessis

At first glance, I wondered what a yellow rubber duck had to do with Tarot. Bob’s (the yellow duck) backstory is that he was washed out to sea after being left behind at a beach outing. From there, Bob’s grand adventure journeys through the 78 cards of the tarot representing the ocean’s ecosystem. He is the beginner inside all of us.

What Works: the cards contain quality illustrations done in a pleasing watercolor palette. I’m particularly fond of The World card but more on that in the next section. The cards are just the right size, and borderless with a coordinating abstract whirlpool on the reverse. The images and the story are true to the seven seas, without being too watery or ethereal. The guide is surprisingly comprehensive for a deck-sized book, as well as an enjoyable read.

What Doesn’t Work: I have a little trouble getting past the childish theme. I say this while The World card is sitting out next to me because I think it’s one of my favorite cards, ever. Our little yellow protagonist is bobbing in the surf at the shoreline, while a flock of his rubber-duck (and other) friends are gathered on the sand, wishing him fair skies and following seas (or, so I imagine). Maybe I’ve mistaken the whimsy as childish. Maybe I need more whimsy in my life and that’s why this deck came into it. So, what doesn’t work? Nothing. Everything about this deck works for me. The artwork provides soft and welcoming readings that are also deep and significant. The box is sturdy; the guidebook is thoroughly descriptive.

However, this may be too much of a novelty deck for some readers (yours truly is now excluded from this faction) but your more whimsical friend, or someone who raises ducks, or collects toy ones, might appreciate this in their collection. This is also an excellent first tarot deck for a young reader.

I almost let my initial unconscious bias prevent me from uncovering gems like this description of The Lovers role in the story: “The encounter might be lasting, or fleeting, but in sharing their stories so far, each has the opportunity to accelerate the other’s evolution”.

Following Bob’s experience through his own Fool’s Journey is entertaining and refreshing. The Minor Arcana depicted as “side quests” provides additional insight and a new understanding of the roles of the court cards. Steven Hutton’s artistic talent and master story telling skills create an especially enjoyable tarot experience.

I’ve included this three-card reading in the photos: Justice, Three of Wands, Knight of Cups. I have an event in a few days. I’m nervous about the commute, and about how I will handle interacting with a few of the people who will be there. I’ve used the guidebook narrative for advice.

Justice is a reminder that precision, detail, and accuracy are crucial for a successful endeavor, so I’ve put the location in my travel app and reviewed the route.

Three of Wands is confirmation that the work I’ve put into preparation has created a secure and firm foundation. I had the car serviced last week.

Knight of Cups – I really should believe in myself. For the most part, people really like me. This will either be obvious to the ones I plan to avoid, or they won’t even notice. Either way, they aren’t important.

Your mileage may vary!

From the U.S Games Website:

About the Creator: Born in Yorkshire, Northern England, Steven Hutton grew up immersed in fantastical TV stories such as Doctor Who and films like Star Wars. He quickly developed a natural flair for drawing and a talent for imaginative storytelling, with the goal of being an illustrator. He earned degrees in graphics and illustration, and he established himself as an illustrator of children’s books for Oxford University Press. As a classroom practitioner, he delivered illustration workshops up and down the United Kingdom for children of all ages. His combined love of art and writing inspired him to create Raven’s Wand Oracle (based on his series of fantasy novels) and Land of Giants Oracle, both published by U.S. Games Systems.