MERRY CHRISTMAS :D

Merry Xmas Everyone!

Jusst wanted to show you what mermaids do during christmas :)

Enjoy!

PS: Some new reviews coming soon!

-Sirenita The Selkie

Enjoy your day!

The Melancholic Mermaid by Kallie George

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Kallie George
Pages: 58


Summary(amazon.com):
Maude likes her two tails, until the other merchildren begin teasing her for being different. She doesn't think things can get worse. But then she is captured by a fisherman. Meanwhile, on land, Tony faces difficulties of his own. Born with webbed fingers, he too is an outcast. Hoping to find acceptance, he joins a circus, but the Ring Mistress is cruel and life there is unbearable . . . until the circus purchases the mermaid. Tony and Maude slowly become friends. Will they find a way to escape not only the terrible circus but also their own sorrows? Two unique characters and two different worlds mean twice the adventure in this new fairy tale with stunning art by Abigail Haplin.

My Review:
I had heard about this book a while back on a goodreads.com page. I was skeptical about the storyline as well as the images when I first picked this book up, but we cannot judge a book by its cover! Although this cover portrays a rather depressing storyline, it was the complete opposite. In fact, it was quite a cute book! Maude is a beautiful twin-tailed mermaid who meets a human who accepts her for who she is, and I believe that even adults can learn from this story; that we have to accept the features we were born with, and to love ourselves the way we are. This is a lesson children need to learn early, especially women who face image issues throughout their lives. The images were also subtle, yet bright and very whimsical. I loved the image of Maude and her two tails! This is a book that I am definitely going to add to my mer-library. I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Suki and the Mermaid by Robert D. San Souci

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Robert D. San Souci
Pages: 32

Summary(amazon.com):
Sukey's new step-pa is a mean, bossy man. Every day Sukey wakes at dawn to work in the garden. All her step-pa ever does is watch her and yell if she so much as stops to fan herself. Sukey's ma calls him Mister Jones. Sukey prefers the name "Mister Hard-Times."

Son one day, Sukey runs away to her secret place by the ocean. There, she calls up Mama Jo, a beautiful black mermaid. Mama Jo's got a surprise for Sukey; a magical kingdom beneath the sea without time or pain. But it's also without people. Is it really better than the world above?

My Review:

I had heard from other people that this was a great book, however I was slightly disappointed. At first, I thought this book was about the famous African water spirit called Mammi Wata, but this is actually an African American story. This book just didn't do much for me, and it was slightly depressing. As for the art, it did have some nice elements but it wasn't my style. I give this book    (***) 3 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

How To Draw The Little Mermaid by Philo Barnhart and Diana Wakeman

Book Type: How To Draw Mermaids/ Art Book
Author: Philo Barnhart and Diana Wakeman
Pages: 40

Summary(amazon.com):
Artists both young and old will enjoy re-creating Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and the rest of their underwater friends. With step-by-step instructions, professional Disney artists demonstrate how easy it can be to render favorite characters from the animated featured film. Aspiring artists will learn how to draw the featured characters in a variety of poses and moods as they also discover interesting facts about the movie. Learn to Draw the Little Mermaid shows just how fun the world of cartooning can be!

My Review:
I bought this book a while back after I discovered it at my local library. I think this book is perfect for learning the steps to drawing the characters. Ever since I started practicing drawing Ariel, my mermaids have began to look better and the tails have taken a better shape as well! Some of the characters include Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, Ursula and Eric. There is also some intro information about the movie, such as background history. If you are an artist or a fan of The Little Mermaid, I definitely recommend checking this book out. I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Art Of The Little Mermaid by Jeff Kurtti

Book Type: Art Book
Author: Jeff Kurtii
Pages: 191

Summary:
I could not give you a summary, since I couldn't find one. This book is basically the art, story and concepts of The Little Mermaid

My Review:
Even though this book has been getting horrible reviews online, I thought It was a beautifully made book. Most people were complaining about the price, which I do admit, the book is a bit expensive, especially since the book is small. However, this book is filled with brilliant screenshots with captions, concept art as well as commentary in the back of the book on the art and concepts throughout the movie. If you are a really big fan of The Little Mermaid movie, this book is definitely for you. I love the movie, so this was a perfect addition to my collection. I give this book  (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

A Book Of Mermaids by Ruth Manning Sanders

Hello everyone! I'm sorry for the delay on newest mermaid reviews! I was one of the many who encountered the forces of hurricane Sandy, which lead to no power or Internet for over 12 days!!

Book Type: Collection Of Short Stories
Author: Ruth Manning Sanders
Pages: 128

Summary(amazon.com):
Stories about mermaids come from almost every country by the sea--from Iceland to India, America to Arabia. In these sixteen stories, Ruth Manning-Sanders captures the quirky personalities of mermaids and mermen, recounting their marvelous schemes and adventures with a master story-teller's eye for detail. This beloved and classic work, with stunning illustrations by Robin Jacques, has been out of print for decades. All fans of mermaid lore will celebrate this new, affordable paperback edition.
                                                                                My Review:
Since I had no power, I figured I would catch up on my reading for this blog. However, I was disappointed when I finished this book. The book was just plain boring, and lacked the mystical mermaid charm that we as mer-readers get excited about. The mermaids in each story seemed to posses very similar characteristics, such as generosity, being mischievous and of course, beautiful and charming. From this, the book became boring all too quickly. I do have to give the book credit on being culturally diverse though. It offers stories from a variety of countries, so if any of you readers are interested in mermaid stories like this, then I recommend this book for you. However, for my taste, I found this book a bit bland. I found another book very similar to this one, titled The mermaid reader, and of mermen, Nixie's, water-nymphs, sea sirens, sea-serpents, sprites and kindred creatures of the deep. Here is the cover if you are interested:


I must inform you though,I honestly could not even finish the second book, since it was terribly similar to the book above. I would give both of these books (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Little Mermaid: The Best Babysitter Under The Sea by Justine Korman

Book Type: Children's Literature

Author: Justine Korman

Pages: 24

Summary(books.google.com): 

Ariel volunteers to babysit with the twins of her father's friends and discovers the job is not as easy as she thought it would be.

My Review:

Being a Little Mermaid fan, I knew I was going to find this book cute even though it is intended for children. I grew up watching The Little Mermaid show on Disney, and I believe this book was based off of one of the episodes (I've been trying to find the show online with no success ) If you have a younger child who loves Ariel as much as I do, they will definitely want to hold on to this in their mer-library. What I also love about the book is that it is full of greatly-colored images that are just as whimsical and gorgeous as the movie or TV show. I mean, you cant have a book on Ariel and her friends without beautiful pictures, right? Even if you are not a child, I think you will enjoy reading this charming short story. I give this book (****) 4 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

Drawing and Painting Mermaids by Elaine Hamer

Book Type: How To Draw Mermaids/ Art Book
Author: Elaine Hamer
Pages: 112

Summary: 
Appealing to mythologists, fantasy artists, and water colorists alike, this project guide includes clear step-by-step instructions for illustrating a variety of mermaids, from sirens of the sea beckoning sailors to their doom to mermaid beauties sunning themselves on a rock. Providing new artists with confidence-building tips and tricks for creating a well-composed piece, Elaine Hamer employs a style informed by the Art Nouveau period and emphasizes proportion, pose, and the details of a mermaid's form above all else. Suggestions for incorporating aspects from the natural world into the artwork are also included, helping artists to perfectly capture the ethereal beauty of these mythological beings.

My Review: 
Although I did not read this book fully as I do other books, I believe it to be a very useful tool for artists like myself! What I really like about this book is that it walks you through the process of creating your own mermaid art and explains the tools, colors, and points of interest. Most of the art in this book is very light and colorful which is not something I personally prefer  however, I do really love the way the tails and scales were colored and drawn out. Whether you love to draw and paint mermaids or if you are simply a collector of art books, I recommend checking out the lovely art work of Elaine Hamer. I give this book (***-****) 3-4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

     

Neptune Rising: Songs and Tales of the Undersea Folk by Jane Yolen

 Book Type: Collection Of Short Stories
Author: Jane Yolen
Pages: 149

Summary(goodreads.com):
A collection of stories and poems which feature merfolk.

My Review:
To start, I would like to say finding a proper summary was a bit difficult, I guess because this book isn't that well known. It really should be though, because each story in this fabulous collection was excellent! When I first saw this, I was intrigued by the romantic cover art, but you really cant judge the pages of a book just by its cover. I thought this book was going to be just another collection of mermaid stories that I have read before, such as Melusine or The Selkie Wife, but these are all original stories created by the author. What I really found interesting about this book was that each story has an ending that is whimsical, and makes the reader really become aware of every little character and detail of the story. Another positive point is that readers who love selkies will love this book since there are plenty of selkie stories. This is one of those books where I am telling you mer-readers out there, you must go pick this up, immediatly! You will enjoy it, and it is a book that will not take a long time to read. I am aware Jane Yolen wrote other books on mermaids, and I will check those out for my readers as well. I give this book (*****) 5 stars, and it is going in my mer-library soon!
-Sirenita The Selkie

My South Carolina Trip: part 2!

Part 2: Shoppin for Mermaids!
Here are some pics of when I went shoppin! Of course I was able to find mermaid stuff!
Here is a collage of mermaid stuff I found when I went shoppin:

A hand made bronze statue

Checking out some new mermaid stuff for my
Collection!

Another lovely lady!

Check back for more reviews and pictures; coming soon!

-Sirenita The Selkie

The Summer Of Moonlight Secrets by Danette Haworth

Book Type: Novel
Author: Danette Haworth
Pages: 256

Summary(goodreads.com):
At The Meriwether, Florida's famous antebellum hotel off of Hope Springs, nothing is quite as it seems. Secret staircases give way to servants' quarters and Prohibition-era speakeasies make for the perfect hide-and-seek spot. Allie Jo Jackson knows every nook and cranny of The Meriwether—she's lived there her whole life—and nothing surprises her, until the first time she spots the enigmatic and beautiful Tara emerging from the springs. Tara's shimmery skin, long flowing hair, and strange penchant for late moonlight swims disguise a mysterious secret—and once Allie Jo and her friend Chase discover Tara's secret, nothing will ever be the same. 
From the celebrated author of Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning comes another magical summer tale full of memorable characters and a one-of-a-kind setting

My Review:
A swirly moonlit night. A secret dip in the springs; the cover of this book screams must read! When I first picked this up from the library, I thought this book was going to be about mermaids, but can you imagine my shock to learn it was about my favorite mermaid, the selkie! Haworth really captures the imagination and dialect of eleven-year old Allie Jo, and thirteen-year old Chase, who become fast friends after discovering the mysterious new guest named Tara. This book was full of magic throughout every page, and I mean that. The way the author wrote each of Allie Jo, Chase and Tara's dialect was perfect and distinct from one another. However, I had a small problem with this book. I think there should have been more selkie folklore incorporated into this story. Although Tara is recognized by the reader as a mystical character, there was not a ton of "selkie-ness" to her. This story had a really sweet ending and an incredible middle that made the reader want to continue reading until the end! I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaid Tales From Around The World by Mary Pope Osborne

Book Type: Children's Literature/ Mermaid Stories
Author: Mary Pope Osborne
Pages: 96

Summary(amazon.com):
The book presents legends and tales that have stirred the imaginations of people. From Andersen's Little Mermaid to Nigerian Fish Husband, these sea spirits all determine their own fate.

My Review:
I have read countless books on different collections of mermaid stories, legends and tales from around the world, but I think Osborne wrote one of the best books on this particular mer-subject. This book takes you through time and into many different cultures, some of which include Native American, Asian, Russian and many more! A common theme throughout the stories Osborne chose for her fabulous book is that, like the summary concludes, all of these mermaids and/or sea spirits chose their own fate, which if you think about it, is seen in many other mermaid books. Each of the mermaids presented in this collection are strong, devious, sometimes even evil and defiant, however, some are soft, gentle and kind. There is a wide variety of different personalities in this book, so everyone can connect with many of the stories. In addition, I really love how Osborne simplified these classic tales that were often written in a language that might pose as strange or confusing, and worded them in a way that was easy to understand and follow, but didn't write them in a juvenile fashion. Readers will also love the fabulous artwork that begins each story, which helps visualize the plot even further. This really is a great read, and I hope to buy this soon! I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaids In South Carolina: Part One, Ripley's Aquarium!!

My latest destination for mermaid exploring was South Carolina. I was with my boyfriend, visiting his family. Look who we discovered!

Mermaid performing at the show!

Meeting the mermaids after the show!

More pictures from my journey coming soon!

Magickal Mermaids and Water Creatures : invoke the magick of the waters by D.J. Conway.

Book Type: Mermaid Info/ Magic and Spells
Author: D.J. Conway
Pages: 192

Summary(amazon.com):
Stories of the Mer-Folk, especially Mermaids, exist in nearly every culture around the world that sailed the oceans or large rivers. Human-like, except for their iridescent, scaly tails, Mermaids and Mermen have fascinated humans for thousands of years. Because the largest of these beings exist in the oceans, most people are not aware that smaller versions of the Mer-Folk live in inland rivers, streams, marshes, and large or small waterfalls. Like many other magickal beings, the Mermaids travel easily between this world and the astral planes, appearing only to those who truly seek to know them and learn their ancient powers. Magickal Mermaids and Water Creatures brings these fabled creatures out of the storybooks and into real life through the studies of D. J. Conway. Within the pages you will learn about: * The secret powers of Mermaids and Mermen. * Different water creatures and where you can find them. * How to entice water folk for friendship and health. * How to avoid dangerous water 
folk.

My Review:
Although I really enjoyed this book and thought it was interesting, I was disappointed because I didn't expect this book to be on Wicca-type of magic. Upon reading this book, the beginning was excellent, and opened up a world full of undersea creatures I didn't know existed, as well as tidbits about a mermaids life as well as the types of mermaids that live throughout the world. However, as I continued reading, I realized that this book was slowly loosing its mermaid quality, and went into how to practice water magic, which is not something I'm interested in, as well as spells, chants etc. Since I have never read a book on real magic, I found this to be interesting. However, I expected this book to be completely on mermaids. If you are interested in real magic, the author has written a bunch of books similar to this one on the subject. This book had a lot of substance to it, and was rich in information on magic, mermaids and underwater creatures. I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

My Other Mermaid Blog!

Hi merfolk!
Check out my other blog on mermaids in TV Media :)
enjoy!
http://mediamermaids.blogspot.com/

Keeper by Kathi Appelt

Book Type: Novel
Author: Kathi Appelt
Pages: 399

Summary(goodreads.com):
To ten-year-old Keeper the moon is her chance to fix all that has gone wrong ... and so much has gone wrong. But she knows who can make things right again: Maggie Marie, her mermaid mother, who swam away when Keeper was just three. A blue moon calls the mermaids to gather at the sandbar, and that's exactly where Keeper is headed - in a small boat. In the middle of the night, with only her dog, BD (Best Dog), and seagull named Captain. When the riptide pulls at the boat, tugging her away from the shore and deep into the rough waters of the Gulf of Mexico, panic sets in and the fairy tales that lured her out there go tumbling into the waves. Maybe the blue moon won't sparkle with mermaids and maybe - Oh, no ... "Maybe" is just too difficult to bear.

My Review:
When I first starting reading this book, I noticed it was quite wordy, and I thought I was going to have to stop reading it because the story would not begin. However, once the story picked up, I couldn't put it down! When you first begin the story, you don't know where the characters are from or what their stories are and there is definetly an element of mystery, but at one point, everything picks up and then you want to know the rest of the characters lives and what's going to happen to Keeper. I must say though, this book was listed as a mermaid book, so I was expecting more elements of fantasy and mermaids, but there were only a few glimpses of merfolk. Even though this book was not full of fantasy, I still recommend reading it, because this book really ties beautifully together at the end and I really enjoyed it. I give this book (***--****)  between 3 and 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Little Mermaid by Michael Hague (original story by Hans Christian Anderson)

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Michael Hague
Pages: 48

Summary(amazon.com):
No matter how often it's retold, no matter how many illustrators tackle it, Andersen's classic tale of the lovelorn mermaid never grows stale. Unlike the sanitized Disney version, the original isn't particularly cheerful: the mermaid loses not only her voice, but also her prince and her life (although she's given a reprieve in the form of a chance to earn an immortal soul). It is, however, exquisitely written--richly layered, evocative, and full of hope, pain and yearning. Hague's Rackham-esque style suits the intense emotions of the prose; his slightly muted palette seems an extension of Andersen's imagination, capturing as it does the filtered half-light of the mysterious undersea world thronged with exquisitely sinuous merfolk. At once lavishly detailed and fanciful, his illustrations distill the haunting beauty of the century-old story, a story as fresh today as the day it was penned.

My Review:
What I really like about this book by Michael Hague is that he did not cut out any of the story or try to make it happy or less morbid compared to other authors who have retold this classic story by Hans Christian Anderson. I believe that stories that are classics such as The Little Mermaid should not be edited and should remained in their original form, especially when the book is aimed for children. I think it is important for them to learn where there favorite "Disney" stories came from. That being said, "The Little Mermaid" is written in a more mature language than children are used to, and they may find it difficult to understand. I am also personally not a fan of Hague's art. I just find it to be a little busy for my taste. With mermaid art, I like simple, but that's just me. Anyways, there is not much to review in terms of the story since the author stuck to the original, but I didn't find anything really special about this book. I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Mal The Mischevious Mermaid by Tiffany Mandrake

Book Type: Children's Literature/ Young Adult
Author: Tiffany Mandrake
Pages: 112

Summary(amazon.com):
Mal is worried she will never be as bad a mermaid as her perfect sister Sal. But when she is offered the chance to win a Badge of Badness, everything changes. Or at least, it would, if only Mal could get the idea of winning the "Face of Mermaid Bay" contest out of her head.

My Review:
This book was very whimsical and clever, even though it was about a bad little mermaid! I read this small story from cover to cover and was in love with it. I finished this in a day because I could not put it down! I have never read a children's book about a mermaid who is trying to be bad. Usually, children's books are about princess mermaids, or mermaids who help humans. However, I was very surprised with the author's creativity with the concept of this cute book. What I really love about this story is that even though Mal has bad intentions, she never gives up her dreams and goals of getting a Badge Of Badness. This shows children to never give up their goal. The only thing I have to say about this is that I wish the book was a bit longer. It was a good concept, but I wish there was even more to the story! There are other books in the Little Horrors Series. They include:
1) Mal The Mischievous Mermaid
2) Tikki The Tricky Pixie
3) Nanda The Naughty Gnome
4) Effie The Outrageous Elf
I believe the whole series is worth reading, no matter what the readers age level is. I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

My New Blog :)

I have made a new blog dedicated to mermaid movies!
Check it out!
http://mediamermaids.blogspot.com/
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Tiniest Mermaid by Laura Garnham

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Laura Garnham
Pages: 28

Summary(goodreads.com):
When lonely Lily wanders down to the seaside, she discovers a new friend. Delphi is a mermaid who was hurt during a terrible storm. When Lily rescues Delphi and takes her home to recover, the two become best friends. Delphi captivates Lily with her tales about coral palaces and silvery fish. But when Delphi recovers, she must leave Lily and return to the sea. The illustrations are enhanced by magical foil throughout and help to tell this enchanting story of friendship.

My Review:
I thought this book was very adorable. I loved the fact that the little girl Lily went out of her way to care and tend to the mermaid, Delphi. I think this sends a very positive message to children, and that is to help people and creatures in need. The artwork in this book is also very beautiful and whimsical. One of my favorite drawings in this book was when Delphi was placed into the aquarium next to Lily's bed. The only thing I did not particularly like out of personal preference was all the magic-girly stuff. That's not something I prefer to read, but since this is a children's book, it is expected. Also, the text was a bit big, but the story itself was not written in too much of a juvenile fashion. I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Atlantis: The Legend Of A Lost City by Christina Balit

                                                                             Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Christina Balit
Pages: 24

Summary(goodreads.com):
A magnificently illustrated retelling of the story of Atlantis--one of the world's most haunting and fascinating myths. 
Floating on the emerald sea is a small rocky island belonging to the mighty sea-god Poseidon. Few visit its shores-until Poseidon marries a beautiful woman named Cleito and transforms the island into a rich and fertile paradise, where all things flourish. A magnificent city arises. Poseidon names his perfect island Atlantis. Atlantis prospers and its people live in peace, but as the years pass, Poseidon's descendants start to act less like gods and more like men. When the people incur the wrath of their god, a terrible curse is carried out and the entire island sinks forever beneath the waves. 
This retelling of the history of fabled Atlantis is based on Plato's Timaeus and Critias. It features a note by internationally known historian Geoffrey Ashe, who has written extensively in the area of mythology.

My Review:
I was surprised that this book did not come up on my library's online catalog when I searched "mermaids". I actually stumbled upon this book while in the children's section, and there it was, next to the books about merfolk! As many mer-enthusiasts know, some legends say that seafolk, or merfolk, live in the beautiful, lost city of Atlantis. I have always been fascinated with the legend, so I decided to give the book a try. I am in love with it now! The story, although intended for children, is not written in a juvenile style, so adults will also love this book and it is easy to follow along. The text is not super big, which is another element I like; I cant stand huge text in children's books! However, the most captivating element about this book was the illustrations! See for yourself! 

The style of this beautiful art is very Mediterranean. I think Poseidon is one of the most beautiful drawings in this book. I really recommend trying to find this book. It was so beautiful, I will be adding it to my mer-library. I give this book (*****) 5 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

My Trip To Atlantis Marine World, Long Island!

So recently I took another trip with my amazing boyfriend, Brandon, to Atlantis Marine World on Long Island!  Its stunning!
I noticed that there were some selkies there of two different varieties! Here are some pictures :)
*Please note: after reading David Kirby's book "Death At Seaworld" I do not visit aquariums or zoos anymore. However, Atlantis does have great rescue programs for the sea life around Long Island*

These Selkies were so beautiful in the water! And adorable on land :)

Boyfriend looking at the seals :)

Selkies playing with some interactive toys :)

                                 

Here is a picture of one of the sea lion selkies! Beautiful creatures!

Lastly, Here is a video of the sea lion selkies swimming!
One of them was named Salty, and even did a cute kids show!

Enjoy!

-Sirenita The Selkie

The Little Mermaid: Adaptation by Oriol Izquierdo

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Oriol Izquierdo
Pages: 32

Summary(goodreads.com):
Retold in both Spanish and English, the universally loved story The Little Mermaid will delight a new generation of readers. The striking illustrations give a new look to this classic tale, and the bilingual text makes it perfect for both home and classroom libraries.

My Review: 
I have a mixed opinion on this classic tale that is retold and remade. First, what I really love and respect about this book is that the author stuck to the original story plot completely, even though it was worded a little more simply than what I would have liked to see. Another element I really loved about this book was that it was written in another language, one of the most common in the United States in fact. I truly believe that children nowadays really should learn a second language, whether it is a language that is apart of their culture, or a language that surrounds them on a daily basis. After each text is written in English, there is a bottom section that is retold in Spanish. Languages are taught in schools, but I believe they are not as reinforced as they should be. This is a great way for either an adult or a child to practice a language they are learning! However, I really did not like the illustrations in this book. I found them to be rather cartoon-y with bland and flat colors. In most children's books, you see elaborate artwork with vibrant colors, but the art in this book reminds me of a comic with a boring color palette. Anyways, I give this book (***)  3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Mermaids Cape by Margaret K. Wetterer

Please excuse this odd picture.
There weren't any cover shots when I googled it.

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Margaret K. Wetterer
Pages: 32

Summary(amazon.com):
When he falls in love with a beautiful mermaid who drifts in too close to shore, a young Irish fisherman snatches up her shimmering cape knowing that as long as he has it the mermaid can never leave him.

My Review:
The story of The Mermaid's Cape is very much similar to the legend of the selkie, in which, a man marries a selkie, she discovers her pelt and then runs away. The only difference is, this mermaid doesn't have a tail to live under the sea, but a magic cape. Unfortunately, I was slightly disappointed with this children's book. I was expecting a new type of selkie story since I saw seals on the cover and read the first page, which explains that the setting is Ireland. The story was nothing new to me, and as I have explained, it is pretty much like the legend of the selkie. However, I really loved the illustrations. Although they were in black and white, they were very beautiful and had a lot of life to them. Another element readers might like about this book is that it wasn't written in a juvenile fashion, so adults can also enjoy this book. I recommend looking up the legend of the selkie wife before reading this though. I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

New Items In My Mermaid Collection :)

In the last month or so, I have bought more mermaid items that I wanted to show you! Here's the pic:

In This Picture:
2 copies of Mermaids and Mythology Magizine! (Perhaps I will review these 2 in the future?)
A David Delamare Print
Selkie by Gillian McClure
The Merbaby by Teresa Bateman
and A Mermaid Necklace!
-Sirenita The Selkie

Mythical Creatures: Mermaids by Charlotte Guillian

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Charlotte Guillian
Pages: 32

Summary(amazon.com):
Guillain details the lore surrounding mermaids in this offering from the Mythical Creatures series. She establishes parameters; describes famous mermaids in literature, art, and film; and compares the tales that developed in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. She also notes other fantastical water creatures and reviews the data for and against mermaids as verifiable beings, concluding that they don’t exist but make for great stories. Succinct text, large type, short chapters, and frequent “Did You Know?” boxes make this text easily accessible for emerging readers. The sidebars provide discreet factoids (“Mermaids are female”) that are sure to pique children’s interests. Illustrations (ranging from original drawings to fine-art reproductions to maps and photos) appear on nearly every page; Slade’s artwork is somewhat pedestrian, but reproductions are well chosen, and maps and photos are clear and informative. 

My Review:
I have to say, I really enjoyed reading this book even though it was intended for children. At first, I thought it was going to be another book filled with facts that I had read in previous books or facts that I already knew from doing so much research. However, what a nice surprise it was to actually learn about more mermaids from around the world! One of my favorite parts about reading mermaid books is learning the mythology and origins of each legend. Also, some of the names of the legends are often confusing since they are in another language, but Guillian breaks them down so that they are easy to pronounce. Another element that I really enjoyed about this book was the full colored maps and illustrations. Some of them were really beautiful and informative. The only thing that readers might not like about the book is that it is written in large print, since it is aimed at a younger audience. One last thing I did not enjoy about this book was at the end the author writes that mermaids are not real! How can you say such a thing? There are plenty of mermaid performers and sightings all over the world! In fact, I myself, am a selkie ;) I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaids: A Magical Guide to the Underwater Realm by Claire Hawcock

Book Type: children's book
Author: Claire Hawcock
Pages: 28

Summary(amazon.com):
Deep down, at the very bottom of the sea, there's a magical underwater world filled with secrets, mysteries and surprises. That's where the mermaids live, singing sweetly in their enchanted voices. And guess what? These beautiful creatures are inviting children to come and visit them! This book is their ticket, and every stunning spread reveals an amazing new aspect of mermaid life. It's guaranteed to capture young imaginations.

My Review:

Unfortunately, I did not really enjoy reading this book. I usually don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but I knew when I picked this up from the library that it was a very girly, magical and princessey type of book, and that’s exactly what it was. The information in this book was too frilly, and it reminded me a lot of the Barbie Mermaidia movie. Also, the drawings had too much going on, some hand drawn and I believe there was some computer art as well. I just don’t enjoy mermaid books that have too much girly magic, but that is just a preference. However, what I did enjoy about this book was that it had pop-ups and pull outs, and it was fun to read the little secrets within them. There was also a few mermaid fables, the explanation of the feejee mermaid as well as the original legend of the mermaid. If you, my readers, are interested in books such as this, I say give it a try. But it was too much in my opinion. If you have a little girl, I think she will enjoy reading this, however, I don’t think adults will enjoy the Mermaidia type magic in these pages. I give this book (**) 2 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaid Dance by Marjorie Hakala

Book Type: Children's book
Author: Marjorie Hakala
Pages: 40

Summary(amazon.com):
As the sun sets on the ocean, the sky turns pink, then purple, the spring becomes the summer, and a celebration begins. Mermaids arrive, ready to greet the new season by playing, feasting, and dancing in the high tide.
Mark Jones' pastel illustrations capture an enchanting and mysterious world sure to delight the imagination of all readers.

My Review:

There is pure magic within these pages. This book is primarily about a school or a pod of mermaids that is celebrating the summer solstice throughout the night. One of the things that I really love about this book is that it features mermaids from many cultures, and they are all combined and mixed into a sisterhood of mermaids, which I think is something important that young girls should learn; no matter what color skin you have, you can still be sisters. Another beautiful feature about this book is the artwork. As I have mentioned in previous posts, artwork in a children's book is very important. The colors are bright, vibrant and whimsical. Also, the mermaids in this book all have unique-looking tails that come in different colors and shapes. Some of the tails featured have a fan shape, which I thought was very beautiful and interesting. The storyline is a bit short, but it is not written in a juvenile style like most kids books, and I believe adults will enjoy this too. I give this book (*****) 5 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaid Sister by Mary Ann Fraser

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Mary Ann Fraser
Pages: 32

Summary(amazon.com):

Shelly is tired of her brother, Gordy. She’d much prefer a sister. So when Coral catches a wave to shore, they are instant friends, even if one of them has flippers instead of feet. They dance and play and eat peanut butter and jellyfish sandwiches. It’s great having a mermaid sister!
But when Shelly and Coral get in their first fight, Shelly wonders if Coral might be happier back at sea. Life with a sister can have its ups and downs, but it’s nothing another day at the beach can’t fix.

My Review:

I love the concept of this book, and there is a very unique moral to this story that I have not seen in other books. Mermaid Sister teaches that you may have differences with your brother or sister, but in the end, they're still your family. Sisters don’t always have to be related. A sister can be a best friend that you have a close relationship with. But no matter who you consider your sister, this book teaches that we all have our differences that we must accept. I think this is a very important book for children who are having sibling problems. In addition, there is also very simple, yet sweet artwork throughout the pages of this book. I loved watching Coral the mermaid live in Shelly’s home. Its very funny to see how Shelly has to get used to the changes! I think one problem adult readers will have with this book is that the story is very simple and short because it is aimed at younger readers. However, I plan on adding this to my merlibrary. I give this book (****) 4 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

The Little Mermaid by Rachel Isadora

book type: Childrens literature
author: Rachel Isadora
pages: 32

Summary(amazon.com):
Once there was a little mermaid who fell in love with a human boy . . . The story may be familiar, but Lisbeth Zwerger's art makes this fairytale seem brand-new. This Jubilee edition, celebrating 200 years of Hans Christian Andersen, is superbly illustrated in Zwerger's signature style. Known for her popular and award-winning editions of classics such as The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, Zwerger is herself the recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for lasting contributions to children's literature. The Little Mermaid is sure to win her new fans, and to delight her old ones. The text is an all-new translation by Anthea Bell, and includes many lovely and poignant details that may be new to even those who think they know the little mermaid's story well.

My Review:
I must say, this has become one of my favorite versions of this classic tale. I have read the original, and I have read shorter versions as well as other children's versions such as this one, but the art in this book really transforms the story. I have read quite a few picture books lately, but the images in this are absolutely beautiful and life like! For those of you who have read the original "The Little Mermaid" and found that you did not enjoy it, I recommend giving this version a try. It will surely change your mind. This book is a must read, and will surely touch your heart. If you think this will be like the Disney version, well, think again. Although the ending to this book is quite tragic, it's still a classic favorite mermaid story. I am going to add this to my personal mermaid book collection. I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Imagine You're A Mermaid! By Meg Clibbon and Lucy Clibbon

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author(s): Meg Clibbon and Lucy Clibbon
Pages: 32

Summary(amazon.com):

A merrily alluring guide to the realm of mermaids.

If you've ever heard the call to be such a creature, Imagine You're a Mermaid! is the guide for you! Awash with information on all things mermaid, this book offers tips on what to wear (seashell tiaras and seaweed hair extensions), where to live (in coral castles with turrets of pearl), and what to do (look beautiful and maybe make some mischief).

Dripping with mermaid tales, sea scenes, and even some treats to try (mer-ingues, anyone?), and saturated with stunning artwork (including watercolors, of course Imagine You're a Mermaid! is guaranteed to drown your boredom.

My Review:

I must say, I have some mixed feelings about this children's book. What I did like about this book was the fun and girly/glamorous theme and the fun activities a mermaid does throughout her life, daily. There are also a few cute mermaid activities your child can do, such as collect seashells in a jar, and there are also some mermaid recipes. However, I find a few flukes with this story. At the beginning of the book, the authors talk about how a mermaid spends all her time worrying about her looks, and how they don't live very useful lives. This just seems a bit odd to me to put in a children's book. What also bothered me was how much the authors continually list how much a mermaids appearance means to them! Yes, we all know the stereotypical image of a mermaid sitting on a rock combing her hair, but if you were to read stories from around the world, that's not the main focus for most sea folk. I don't think we should instill into young girls that image is important and they have to spend all day playing dress up or putting on makeup. I thought I was the only person feeling as if this book had an off vibe to it, but then I checked amazon reviews. Here is one review that was posted:

   "My daughter brought this home from her school library. Imagine my disgust at a line in this book that asserts a mermaid's life, which seems boiled down to nothing more than being beautiful and shopping for accessories, is "better than being useful." From start to finish, this book undermined the core values we attempt to teach our daughter: that consumerism does not equal happiness, that true beauty can't be achieved through accessories and that it is quite important to be useful. Yes, she is quite beautiful, but she is worth so much more than that. How about a book extolling the virtues of a scientist's life? Imagine the possibilities when we look beyond the stereotypes."

If you are looking for a mermaid children's book, there are more options listed on my blog. Not to mention, the illustrations are not beautiful to me, and seem overly juvenile and overly colored. I give this book (**---***) between 2 and 3 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie