The Mermaid Moon

September 15, 2022
A friendship-focused modern fairy tale in an idyllic seaside village. One night each year, on the Mermaid Moon festival, sea creatures float through the picturesque town of Merporth, frolicking alongside the cheerful villagers. Merrin, a light-skinned mermaid whose long red hair may invite comparisons to Disney's Ariel, is at last old enough to join the other creatures, and she can't wait to go to her best friend Molly's house. Molly, a light-skinned, brown-haired human, often visits Merrin, diving underwater or sitting with her by the sea, but tonight will be different. With an emphasis on camaraderie, this tale sees Merrin having a fun night out with Molly. Paragraphs of text in a small black font make this an option for a slightly older or more patient audience. Mixed-media art shimmers, with appealing blue-greens bringing to life Merrin's sea home and deep blues depicting the sky on the night of the Mermaid Moon festival. Still, the story lulls overall, with only one brief conflict--it seems Merrin may not make it back to the sea before "the moon's reflection disappears from the sea," which would spell death for her cove's magic. The solution is creative yet too swiftly and neatly found to satisfy readers. Molly is an uncomplicated character, defined by her love of Merrin, evidenced by jars of sea ephemera in her bedroom. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Close to enchanting but not quite. (Picture book. 5-8)

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October 1, 2022

K-Gr 3-Merrin and Molly are best friends forever. Merrin lives in the water with her mermaid mother and Molly with her family on land. They play together, seeking sea glass and shells and looking forward to the Mermaid Moon Festival. One night each year, all sea creatures can fly out of the sea and spend time frolicking and celebrating on land. Merrin knows that she must return to the water before the moon sets, or the magic night will never return. Molly takes her friend home, and the mermaid marvels at things she has never seen: lamps, fluffy rugs, and a backyard swing. But while rushing to get back to the sea before it's too late, Molly has an accident and Merrin chooses to stay and help. She calls on a huge whale who flies to the rescue and swoops through the air with the girls on his back. When safely home, Merrin and Molly promise to repeat their adventure next year. The magic of the story is reinforced by moonlit watercolor illustrations, creating an enchanting story of friendship without boundaries. VERDICT Magic, moonlight, and mermaids enrich this story of friendship. The lovely scenery of an unusual setting will appeal to young readers.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2022
Grades 1-3 A girl named Molly lives with her parents near her village's harbor. Her best friend, Merrin, is a mermaid who lives in the harbor's waters with her mother, the protectress of the cove. On the evening of the Mermaid Moon Festival, mermaids and other sea creatures can "swim through the air" and into the village. This time, Merrin is finally old enough to attend the festival and even visit Molly's home. Merrin's mother warns her to leave the village "before the moon's reflection disappears from the sea." The girls enjoy their evening at the festival and at Molly's house. But later, a crisis endangers Molly. Merrin summons a flying whale, but can it save her friend and help Merrin return home in time? British artist Smith offers an appealing narrative and illustrates it with mixed-media artwork that will cast its spell on kids who are drawn to the possibilities of magic and adventure. With captivating jacket art, this cozy fantasy has just the right mixture of wistfulness and suspense to please young mermaid fans.

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