Showing posts with label Mermaids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mermaids. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Mairi's Mermaid by Michael Morpurgo

Mairi's MermaidBook Type: Children's Book
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Pages: 48

Summary(goodreads.com):
Robbie says swimming is easy. You just have to pretend you’re a mermaid. But that doesn’t help Mairi. She isn’t even sure that mermaids are real!



My Review: 
Learning how to swim is a milestone in every little merchild's life that requires patience...and sometimes a little help from merpeople! I loved the main concept of the book; every creature needs help now matter how big or small. By helping each other, Mairi and the mermaid solved their problems. The book also teaches patience and perseverance.

I loved the small details in the book. On every page, a fish makes a comment about what's going on. I also loved the cute illustrations and how tiny the merpeople were! I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie


Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Dora Saves Mermaid Kingdom by Michael Teitelbaum

Dora Saves Mermaid Kingdom! (Dora the Explorer)Book Type: Children's Book
Author: 
Pages: 24




Summary(goodreads.com):
A mean octopus has dumped garbage all over Mermaid Kingdom The only way to save the mermaids is to find the magic crown Come along with everyone's favorite explorer, Dora, as she crosses the Seashell Bridge, goes through Pirate Island, and then goes to the Silly Sea. Will Dora be able to save her ocean friends?





My Review:
Technology is ever-evolving in this fast paced world, and our oceans are now threatened because of it. It's important to teach mer-children about protecting the sea and all who inhabit it. That's what this Dora book shows us!

What I loved about this book was the brightly-colored illustrations. They really take you to the wonder of the Silly Sea! If you want your mer-child to learn a new language, but at a pace they can keep up with, this is the perfect starter book. The easy-to-read Spanish words adorn the pages just as if you were watching the show. The mermaid, named Marina, is especially gorgeous. Check out that tail! :)

I loved this book most of all because it shows the importance of keeping the beach clean, and shows how garbage can affect marine life.

I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Lies Beneath Series by Anne Greenwood Brown

Lies Beneath (Lies Beneath, #1)Book Type: Novel
Author: Anne Greenwood Brown
Pages: Book 1) 303

Summary of first book (goodreads.com):
Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans and absorb their positive energy. Usually, they select their victims at random, but this time around, the underwater clan chooses its target for a reason: revenge. They want to kill Jason Hancock, the man they blame for their mother's death.

It's going to take a concerted effort to lure the aquaphobic Hancock onto the water. Calder's job is to gain Hancock's trust by getting close to his family. Relying on his irresistible good looks and charm, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter Lily. Easy enough, but Calder screws everything up by falling in love - just as Lily starts to suspect there's more to the monster-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined, and just as the mermaids threaten to take matters into their own hands, forcing Calder to choose between them and the girl he loves.
One thing's for sure: whatever Calder decides, the outcome won't be pretty.

My Review:
What do you get when you put jealous, vengeful mermaids, a forbidden romance, and a gorgeous killer merman? An awesome mermaid book! :)

What I loved about this book was the originality of a killer merman. Here on this blog, I've presented sirens and evil mermaids with powers, but I don't recall reading about a male siren. Calder has classic siren powers, such as the ability to will his victims into doing things and has the allure and charm of a typical siren. 
I also loved the main female character, Lily. I can really relate to her, especially her love of poetry and her Gothic style. She isn't the typical girl to fall head over fins for a pretty face, and this romance takes its time, making it beautiful and genuine. The book is also amazingly descriptive, and you will feel as if your swimming with Calder in the cold waters of Lake Superior. 

Although most of the main action in the plot is prolonged, it's needed. It reminds the reader that these killer mermaids are hunting their prey slowly and precisely. 

This first book was amazing! I'm hoping to get book two for you guys soon!
I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Mermaid Tales #11: The Polar Bear Express by Debbie Dadey

The Polar Bear ExpressBook Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
A lost baby polar bear shares the spotlight with a popular boy band in this Mermaid Tales adventure.
Kiki Coral is thrilled beyond words when she meets a brand-new friend: a baby polar bear! The problem is, the little bear, whose name is Nestor, has floated away from home on a patch of ice and now he’s lost, hungry, and all alone!
Kiki, Shelly, and Echo want to send Nestor back to his home on the Manta Ray Express, but a one-way ticket costs a whopping four jewels! That’s a fortune! Not to mention, all anyone at school can talk about is the Rays, who are performing a concert in Poseidon. Kiki loves the cute boy band as much as the next mergirl, but what about Nestor? Isn’t saving him more important than a concert?
Can Kiki and her friends find a fun way to send their new furry friend home—and hang out with the Rays in the process?
 


My Review:
I was really happy when Dadey decided to focus on major environmental issues in this latest mermaid tale, specifically focusing on polar bears, melting ice, and global warming. Not only does this book teach young children about the value of the environment, but how they can help! One way Kiki and her friends raise money is by creating a fundraiser event. 

The only character who always annoys me is Pearl. Would it kill her to not be a spoiled brat for once?? The ending of this book was so sweet that I almost cried :,)!
I loved this mermaid tale! (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Mermaid Tales #10: A Tale of Two Sisters by Debbie Dadey

22546571Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
Echo is thrilled to find a human object in this Mermaid Tales adventure, but will sibling rivalry keep her from appreciating her prize?
Echo is dogfish tired of having to share everything with her bossy big sister, Crystal. So she’s extra excited when she stumbles upon a shiny human object near her shell. Finally, something of her very own!
Echo is obsessed with people, so she’s very curious as to what her fin-tastic human find might be. Could it be something totally wavy, like a music-making machine? What if it’s something that could allow her to actually talk to humans?
Before she can find out, Crystal swipes the object, claiming she found it first! Echo is steaming mad. After the mergirls duke it out in a messy tug of war, their mother takes the object away. “You’ll get this back when you can learn to get along,” she tells them. But that’s easier said than done. How far is Echo willing to go to get her precious human object back?

My Review:
One of the most common issues children learn to deal with is sibling rivalry, and I'm happy that Dadey decided to highlight this in one of her books. One of my favorite characters in this series is Echo. She reminds me so much of Ariel and how she loves all things human!

I also loved that this book teaches about sacrifices for family and the value of promises. Most importantly, it teaches sharing. I really enjoyed this sweet sister story! I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Sunday, February 14, 2016

The Little Mermaid by Francesca Rossi

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Francesca Rossi
Pages: 64

Summary(goodreads.com):
When she falls in love with the prince she rescues during a storm, the Little Mermaid sells her voice to a witch for the chance to become human. But if her prince doesn't love her back, she could lose it all . . .


My Review:
The Little Mermaid  is a timeless classic mermaid story. While some authors use amazing illustrations and words with their rendition, others fall a little flat. I would say this book falls into the mix of good and bad. 

While the mermaids in this book are beautiful, the background colors fall a little flat. The ocean is full of life and color, and the illustrations do not portray this. Although the text is somewhat like the original Anderson version, the ending is vastly altered.

So is this the original The Little Mermaid? You be the judge!
I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Dora and Friends Mermaid Treasure Hunt by Mary Tillworth

22318431Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Mary Tillworth
Pages: 24

Summary(goodreads.com):
Dora and her friends team up with Mariana the mermaid to hunt for missing golden treasure! Based on Nickelodeon's hit show "Dora and Friends," this full-color storybook is perfect for girls ages 3 to 7.

My Review:
Dora has exciting adventures and now she's exploring the ocean as a mermaid! Although Dora was never one of my favorites as a mer-girl, it's cool to see her with a beautiful tail :) I loved the illustrations in this book. The merfolk are gorgeous, and their tails are bright and colorful, reminding me of tropical fish. The book begins with Dora and her friends cleaning up the beach while simultaneously doing a fun activity, showing the importance of teamwork, while also highlighting an important environmental issue. This book also teaches that being on a team is better than being greedy and alone. On a side note, it was a little weird that Dora now has a Map App instead of a traditional map!

This book was okay, not really the most exciting for older mer-readers. However, if you have a little one who loves Dora and mermaids, they will love this book!

I give this book (***) 3 stars. 
-Sirenita The Selkie

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Emily Windsnap And The Ship Of Lost Souls (Book #6 In Series) by Liz Kessler

Book Type: YA
Author: Liz Kessler
Pages: 288

Summary(goodreads.com):
A field trip to a mysterious island quickly turns into an adventure when Emily Windsnap and Aaron discover a secret lookout point from which they spot a ghostly ship that no one else seems to be able to see. The ship appears and disappears only at certain times of day—growing fainter each time. Searching for answers only leads to more questions until Emily and her friends confront the island’s keeper, uncovering the incredible story of a ship caught between land and sea, day and night . . . life and death. Only Emily, with her ability to transform from mermaid to human, can enter Atlantis to try to bring the ship’s passengers back before the portal is closed forever. Emily knows that if she fails, not only will the passengers never see their loved ones again, but Emily won’t be able to return either. Will she be able to resist the allure of Atlantis and return home before it’s too late? 

My Review:
I was really excited that Kessler decided to write another book for the Emily Windsnap series! It's been a favorite since I was a young mer-girl. It's sad to say that I was disappointed with this latest addition to the series. The beginning and middle of the plot fell flat for me; it was a little boring. However, Kessler's descriptive language made me feel as if I was with Emily exploring the mysterious island along with her.

Without giving too much away, I also loved how Kessler incorporated Atlantis, but at times it became very complicated and I had to keep flipping back and forth throughout the book to re-read the details. This Emily Windsnap book was okay, but I don't feel it was the most exciting book in the series. For more info on the series, visit my full review: Emily Windsnap Series Full Series Review

I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Mermaid Tales #9: A Royal Tea by Debbie Dadey

A Royal TeaBook Type: Novel
Author:


When Shelly meets the Queen of the Western Oceans in this Mermaid Tales adventure, she encounters a royal dilemma! 
When a royal messenger announces that Queen Edwina is coming to tea, Shelly is as jittery as a jellyfish! After all, the Queen of the Western Oceans is her great aunt. And despite being a princess, Shelly has never met a queen before. How should she act? What should she wear? 
Then Pearl tells Shelly that the queen is going to take Shelly to live in Neptune's Castle: "It's where a real princess would live," Pearl tells her. Shelly is terrified of leaving her home, friends, and beloved grandfather behind. When the royal carriage arrives, she's trembling from the top of her head to the tip of her tail. What will Queen Edwina think of Princess Shelly? And will she really take Shelly away from the home she loves?

My Review:
There seems to be an endless amount of Mermaid Tales books and I can't keep up! I loved that this book focused on Shelly, since I identify with her. She's modest, and that's very important for kids to learn at a young age. I also loved that this book focused on the theme of true friendship. Echo and Kiki are real friends. They are there for her, whether she's a princess or needs help cleaning up her small apartment. Shelly's royal aunt is also very modest, and I love the gift she gave Shelly at the end! This was definitely one of my favorites.  *****( 5 stars).
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Saturday, September 12, 2015

(12) Mermaid Tales: Treasure In Trident City by Debbie Dadey

Treasure in Trident CityBook Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):

When Rocky finds a seaweed scroll that describes an abandoned pirate ship bursting with jewels, the students are tripping over their tails with excitement. There's only one problem: the treasure is supposedly guarded by pirate ghosts! But a few silly ghosts aren't going to keep prima donna Pearl away from fame, fortune, and diamonds as big as a merman's fist.
The hunt is on! Pearl recruits fellow merkids Rocky and Wanda to help her track down the treasure by swimming all the way past Whale Mountain. But when they discover the pirate ship, they hear eerie moans and groans coming from within. What's making those sounds? Could the pirate ghosts be real? And can the merkids get the jewels before becoming someone or something's lunch?

My Review:
I was a little surprised that Debbie Dadey decided to write a book about the mean girl of the series. However, I actually enjoyed this mermaid tale! I really love how so many interesting sea creatures were mentioned, such as bootlace worms and black dragonfish. I also found the plot to be more exciting compared to the other books in the series.
I only wish that Pearl would change her bad and bratty attitude! She's very annoying, and I wish she would change. I loved that this book teaches the value of life over possessions, and teamwork.
I give this book (****) 4 stars. 

(11) Tides by Betsy Cornwell

TidesBook Type: Novel
Author: Betsy Cornwell
Pages: 304

Summary(goodreads.com):
When high-school senior Noah Gallagher and his adopted teenage sister, Lo, go to live with their grandmother in her island cottage for the summer, they don’t expect much in the way of adventure. Noah has landed a marine biology internship, and Lo wants to draw and paint, perhaps even to vanquish her struggles with bulimia. But then things take a dramatic turn for them both when Noah mistakenly tries to save a mysterious girl from drowning. This dreamlike, suspenseful story—deftly told from multiple points of view—dives deeply into selkie folklore while examining the fluid nature of love and family.

My Review:
I'm very pleased with the summer reading challenge so far! I've managed to find a lot of selkie books! What I loved about this book was the New England-in-the-summer setting. It reminded me of summers here on Long Island. I also loved how Noah had a crush on the mystery girl, Mara. She was definitely an intriguing character. The reader slowly unravels the mystery along with Noah. There's also many contemporary issues mentioned, including body image with girls, eating disorders, the pressure of fashion magazines on young women ,gay relationships, and how science has an evil side.
I also had a few problems with the plot. I found it unrealistic that at the end of the book, the adults let the teenagers confront the bad guy all by themselves. Why didn't the adults help them out? There are also issues of child abuse and animal abuse, so anyone sensitive to these issues should not read this book. I also found the book to be very graphic, and it was difficult to get through certain parts.
I wasn't especially crazy about how the plot progressed, so I give it (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Sunday, August 9, 2015

(10) Mermaid Tales: Dream Of The Blue Turtle by Debbie Dadey

Dream of the Blue TurtleBook Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
Kiki Coral can see the future;can she save a friend from his dangerous fate?

Kiki Coral has an amazing gift: she can see the future. She doesn't have visions very often, but they are always surprising! When Kiki sees a vision of her classmate Rocky Ridge coming face-to-frightening-face with a gigantic leatherback turtle, she is frightened to the tip of her shiny purple tail. Can Kiki save Rocky from his dangerous fate? What if no one in Trident Academy believes her scary prediction?




My Review:
 This is the 7th book in the Mermaid Tales series, and I am starting to get quite bored with these books. First, I wanted to know more about when Kiki first got her visions.  How old was she? What was her first vision? I did love some of the themes and concepts in this book. I loved how it teaches children about trusting their friends, and how to work on a team, I also love that the leatherback  turtle's endangered status was mentioned.

Later on in the story, Pearl forces Kiki to work on their project using plastic bags. How would they know what this is, if they are confused about items in the people museum? The mergirls always question what human items are since they never see them every day.

This wasn't a very exciting mermaid tale, and Marvin the sea turtle, which was the most anticipated sea creature, only appeared for 2 pages!
I give this book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

(9) the Selkie Girl by Janis Mackay

The Selkie GirlBook Type: Children's Book
Author: Janis Mackay
Pages: 32

Summary(goodreads.com):
Fergus lives with his father by the sea, but is lonely. He wants a friend more than anything. One day Fergus finds treasure on the beach: a beautiful fur blanket hidden in the rocks. But Fergus doesn't know that his treasure belongs to someone else - a selkie girl has lost her seal skin and can't go home to the sea without it. Will Fergus give his new friend what she needs, and risk being lonely again?

My Review:
Yay! I was so happy when I found that my local library had a new selkie children's book to explore :) After the last couple of selkie books that I've read, I was expecting another let down. However, this story was beautiful! The text is not juvenile, so adults and mer-children can enjoy it together. The illustrations were breath taking, especially of the selkie women. They really captured the alluring magic of selkies.

This book teaches young children the true value of friendship and promises, but also the lesson that if you love someone or something, set it free.
I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

(8) Water Shaper byLaura Williams McCaffrey

Water ShaperBook Type: Novel
Author:Laura Williams McCaffrey
Pages: 224

Summary(goodreads.com):
Margot is the daughter of a king, but she is beloved by neither his court nor his kingdom. She has “water in her blood,” a trait associated with magic and looked upon with distaste and suspicion. When she meets Orrin, a foreign king who is respectful, not scornful, of her affinity for water, she flees with him to his castle by the sea, though she soon realizes he is not as benevolent as she first thought. Intertwined with Margot’s story is that of Bird, a storyteller who must tell stories for Orrin, though he can barely stand him. When Orrin steals the Book of the Sea, a magical gift given to Margot by her mother, Margot knows she must run away once again, and the threads of the two stories begin to intertwine.


My Review:
When I first saw that this book involved selkies, I was so excited. It's sometimes hard to find good selkie books, especially in the YA genre. When I delved into the first chapter, I immediately fell in love with the medieval historical vibe.

...But that's pretty much all I enjoyed.

Half way through the book, and I was still waiting for something to happen. About three quarters of the book lacked energy, and I didn't feel any excitement while reading this. I also did not enjoy Margot, the main character. She lacks strength, and constantly feels the need to impress Orrin. Although this book says it involves selkies, it took forever to get to the selkie part!
The ending really made me say, "That's it?"
I unfortunately did not like this book at all, and I don't recommend reading it. It was confusing, boring and lacked the selkie elements that it promises. 
I give this book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

(6) The Little mermaid by Robert Sabuda

13547175Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Robert Sabuda
Pages: 12

Summary(goodreads.com):
A beloved under-the-sea tale is now a pop-up masterpiece, from expert craftsman Robert Sabuda.

Come along on a magical journey under the sea in this stunning pop-up adaptation of the beloved fairy tale The Little Mermaid, expertly crafted by renowned paper engineer Robert Sabuda. Amazing three-dimensional paper structures pop off each page, bringing this classic underwater adventure to life. This visually stunning tale of adventure, true love, and sacrifice is sure to become a favorite in any story-lovers library.


My Review:
Believe it or not, this book has been sitting on my shelf, waiting to be explored for two years! I was just so busy with other mermaid books that I forgot about this gem that I bought with Christmas money :) 
I love how the author simplified the original text; it's perfect! Its easy to understand without skipping over the original beauty of Hans Christian Anderson's writing. But what really made this story come to life was the amazing pop ups!
I have never seen a more beautiful pop up book!
That being said, this isn't exactly safe in a merchild's hands. These pop ups are very delicate!!!
Adults should accompany children and be careful when you open it! Some of the pop ups got a bit annoying when I was reading the book. They got stuck when I tried to open them, and I accidentally ripped one because it didn't open right :(
I loved this book and it really is a beautiful gem in anyone's mer-library, but be careful with the pop ups, especially around children! However, this would make a perfect bedtime story :)
I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

(4) The Little Mermaid Paperback Series: Arista's New Boyfriend by M.J. Carr

Book Type: Novel
Author: M.J. Carr
Pages: 70

Summary(goodreads.com):
The mermaid princesses can't wait to arrive at the new summer palace - all except for Arista, that is. This is to be a summer of dinners, dances, and lots of aristocratic boys! But boys or no boys, summer without her favorite sea horses to ride is not Arista's idea of fun until she discovers the brand-new stables at the summer palace - and the stablehand, Dylan. Suddenly summer takes an exciting turn for the better! Spending time with Dylan is great, but Arista worries how King Triton will react to her new boyfriend. Will she have to keep Dylan a secret from her father forever?


My Review:
I'm so excited to be reviewing another paperback in The Little Mermaid series :)
I really liked that I was instantly able to connect to Arista, especially when she misses her pets. When I have gone on vacation, I too, have a hard time parting from my Cat-fish and my little goldfish. I also really liked how genuine and cute Dylan and Arista's relationship was, and that a princess fell for a stablehand. 

I got really annoyed when Ariel and her sisters constantly talked about boys. It was a little too much and made them seem like airheads! I also found the title of this book confusing. Although Arista and Dylan seem to secretly like each other, it was never announced that they were boyfriend and girlfriend.
This book was okay, but a bit boring. It wasn't the best Little Mermaid book I've read. 
I give this book (**) 2 stars. 


Monday, May 25, 2015

(3) Waters Of Change by Amy Astorga

Book Type: YA (Young Adult novel)
Author: Amy Astorga
Pages: 172

Summary(goodreads.com):
“Life at the surface isn’t a decision that can be made. It’s something you have to be chosen to receive. What mermaids lack that humans possess, isn't legs. It’s a soul.” 
Gwendolyn Hart stands on the cusp of change. With high school’s graduation nearly approaching, and an unexpected proposal from her devoted boyfriend Ryan, she’s certain her life is about to take an exciting turn. But when her best friend Emma is suddenly reported missing, all plans for the future come to a screeching halt. Tensions quickly rise as her walls are taken down, and in the midst of grief and introspection, there appears a young man who offers an escape from it all. 
His name is Marcus, and his eyes are as comforting as they are unnerving. Gwendolyn is captivated by the mysterious stranger, who slips into her life and sweeps her off her feet. But there are things about Marcus that she can’t explain. And there are reasons he’s appeared that go beyond fate. The more she discovers the truth behind the man, the more she discovers he isn't a man at all. 
Gwendolyn’s relationship is shrouded by dark secrets that will test the very core of her morale. A decision between love and conviction can be difficult. And what decision she makes will determine the ultimate fate of her soul.

My Review:
***I would like to first announce that I was given this book by Amy Astorga herself in exchange for a fair and honest review. I plan on reviewing this honestly, fairly and most of all, respectfully.***

When I first read the summary for this book, I admit I was a bit nervous. What exactly is Marcus? Is he some sort of male siren? A Merman? As soon as I read the prologue, I was instantly intrigued. I wanted to know what the deal was with this jerk Marcus and why Gwen is so head over heels for him! The book instantly sucked me in like a strong current and I could not put this book down!

What I liked the most about this book was the characters. They are believable because they are flawed, even the supernatural ones! I really related to Gwen, especially when she had to deal with a jealous best friend, and also insecurities with herself and her relationship. I also felt that many of the characters were described and acted like high school teenagers, which shows good characterization skills.

I also loved that this book had very intense thriller/ mystery moments and themes.  There were moments where I would be talking out loud to Gwen and saying, 
"WHAT? Do you not see what is happening here, Gwen?" 
or "I'm going to kill that kid!"
 and "Oh God. Oh God no. This isn't happening!"
 I got soooo into this book that I gasped out loud, and even laughed nervously as if I was watching a horror movie!

What struck me most of all was the ending. It was totally unexpected and a bit sad. I didnt like how it ended so abruptly, but overall, this book was excellent!
I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

(1) The Little Mermaid: Ariel's New Treasure

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Mary J. Fulton and Eric Binder
Pages: 32

Summary(goodreads.com):
When a young girl loses a golden seahorse necklace in the ocean, Ariel finds a way to return it.

My Review:
I'm so excited to begin The Mermaid Reading Challenge with a The Little Mermaid book! What I loved about this book was the story. It was beautiful and sometimes sad, especially when Ariel couldn't communicate with the little girl. 
I also loved the illustrations! They were a perfect example of Disney's beauty. Also, the story is not written with simple words and sentences, so both little, and grown Mers will enjoy this :)
I really loved this book and plan on adding it to my personal Mer-Library! I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Tara and Her Talking Kitten Meet A Mermaid by Diana Cooper

Tara and Her Talking Kitten Meet A Mermaid by Diana CooperBook Type: Children's Book
Author: Diana Cooper
Pages: 80

Summary(goodreads.com):
When a flood overwhelms her village, Tara enlists the help of her old friends the fairies and the Unicorn to help save a boy from drowning. Learning from this event, Tara undertakes a special mission to clean up the oceans. By organizing her school and with the help of politicians, Tara successfully builds a campaign to raise public awareness about environmental concerns. The fourth adventure in a magical series, this imaginative story creates clear discussion points allowing parents and teachers to talk to children about actions and consequences while offering ideas on ways to interact with and protect the earth.

My Review:
I loved this book! It was really creative and original. This seems to be a series, but you don't have to read the other books, since some of the background info is explained. I really like how this book introduced children to elemental magic, such as auras and light, and even archangels. Ash-ting the cat is my favorite character. He is so fickle, and reminds me of my own cat! I also like that the author went into different ways that the oceans are ruined by humans, but explained it in a way that was easy for kids to understand. The only negatives I have are that the language is a bit simplified and juvenile, so adults might not enjoy reading this. Also, the story seems to end abruptly, and I wanted more of a clearer ending. I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Little Mermaid by Ronne Randall

The Little Mermaid by Ronne Randall
Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Ronne Randall
Pages: 32

Summary(goodreads.com):
This Parragon fairy tale classic picture book features revised text ideal for beginning readers along with vibrant new illustrations. Children will love to follow along with their favorite characters!

My Review:
I was disappointed with the illustrations, as well as the plot of this book. I wanted more life and maturity for such a beautiful story, and made the Little Mermaid look 5 instead of 15.
The adaptation of the story was okay, but a lot of the major details from the original were left out, so it made the story boring and predictable. I don't recommend reading this adaptation. I give this book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie