Pichi Pichi Pitch Mermaid Melody Volume #1 by Pink Hanamori and Michiko Yokote

Book Type: YA Manga
Author(s): Pink Hanamori and Michiko Yokote
Pages: 192

Summary(amazon.com):
Lucia is the new girl at school. She and her sister run a public bath that’s all the rage. When Lucia meets a terrific-looking surfer boy, there’s just one little problem: Lucia is a mermaid–not just any mermaid, but a princess on an important mission to save the seven seas from an evil force bent on taking control of the marine world. Such a responsibility doesn’t leave much time for romance. But Lucia vows to protect her world and win the heart of handsome Kaito. Pichi Pichi Pitch is an extremely popular anime in Japan. Now it’s the newest craze in the world of magical-girl manga!



My Review: 
I had never read a manga graphic novel, but I was interested, especially since it had mermaids! Manga is extremely popular, especially here in the U.S. but I don't think these books are for me. What really confused me, and took a while to understand, was that you have to read it from right to left. I know this is how they read in many different countries but when I first began the book, I said, "Huh?" I also find that graphic novels can be a bit distracting, especially with the very emotionally-charged drawings. It's also a bit weird to me that a 13-year old girl is supposed to look hot in a bikini....
No thanks! And apparently throughout the series there are sex scenes, yet the rating is 13 +? I believe the only thing I liked about this book was Lucia. She is friendly, curious and reminds me of myself when she is around her crush, Kaito. She gets really nervous and it's so cute! What I also like about manga is that you can read them in about an hour, if you consider yourself a fast reader. Sorry guys. Manga just isn't my style. I give this book (**) 2 stars. I know there is also a TV show of the book series, so maybe I will like that more. 
However, if you do find manga and mermaids interesting, then give this a try!
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Sea Man by Jane Yolen

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Jane Yolen
Pages: 41

Summary(amazon.com):
After the crew of a small Dutch ship pulls a half-man, half-fish creature from the sea, the lieutenant feels honor bound to return him to his domain. What the lieutenant doesn't know is that his compassion has earned him a guardian and a friend whose knowledge of the ocean will forever touch his life.

My Review:
Jane Yolen is an author that has been reviewed on this blog, and she is definitely a creative and imaginative writer. One of my favorite books that she wrote is titled, Neptune Rising  which you can view here. Naturally I was excited to read this, especially since there aren't many books on mermen. The story/plot immediately takes off with no hesitation, and the captivating black and white illustrations help keep the story interesting and also helps the depict the many emotions both the sailors and the merman face. What I also loved is that the story was not written in a juvenile fashion, even though it was in the children's section of the library. Yolen also mentions that this book is based off a real account of a merman sighting! Cool! I do have to mention though, for a kid's book, it was startlingly depressing! The poor merman is thrown around the cabin, left to almost suffocate by the ruthless sailors, and almost dies, leaving his family fatherless! I don't really recommend this as something a child should read right before they go to sleep, but it was definitely an original tale that merfolk will like. I give this book (****) 4 stars. 
-Sirenita The Selkie

Siren's Storm Series by Lisa Papademetriou

Book Type: Novel
Author: Lisa Papademetriou
Pages: First book: 288

Summary(goodreads.com):
Nothing has been the same for Will ever since what happened last summer. One day, on an ordinary sailing trip with his brother, there is a strange accident. When Will wakes up, he learns his brother has disappeared, presumed drowned. Worst of all, Will can't remember what happened—his family finds him unconscious, with no memory of the accident.
Now Will and his best friend and neighbor, Gretchen, are starting a new summer. Gretchen seems troubled—her sleepwalking habit is getting worse, and she keeps waking up closer and closer to the water. 
Will is drawn to Asia, the exotic new girl in town. Nobody knows where she's from—all Will knows is that her beauty and her mesmerizing voice have a powerful effect on people. Then there is another mysterious drowning, and Will and Gretchen begin to wonder: Is Asia just another beautiful, wealthy summer resident? Or is she something entirely more sinister . . . and inhuman?

My Review:
Have you ever read a book that just gave you the creeps, but in a good way? This book totally gave me goosebumps! Sirens who visit our world are depicted as creepy and sinister, and this book had a 

psychological thriller tone throughout the entire novel. Each chapter starts off with newspaper article clippings about weird events that take place around the town, such as artwork being stolen and vandalism. People are missing, secrets are hidden, and as you continue to read this book, you slowly unravel the mystery. The imagery in this book was great, and I pictured all the creepy stuff perfectly! Since this book also takes place on Long Island, where I was born and raised, I was curious to see how Papademetriou would portray Long Island teenagers. Although the female dialogue was perfect and includes all the "likes" that Long Island girls say, the male dialogue was a little too surfer-dude-ish. However, I did have some problems with the first book. The reader will instantly pick up that Asia is a siren (seriously guys, I can't even say spoiler alert). There was also quite a bit of violence that readers might not be comfortable with.

I also have to say, that one thing REALLY made me mad and just seemed so unrealistic. It is a spoiler, so to view it, highlight the following:

Guersney the dog is killed by a siren by a swift blow to the head, and the dog is left their bleeding to death. It struck me as utterly ridiculous that this happened. When Will and Gretchen are running away, why didn't they bring the dog with them? Who leaves their animal to a bunch of demons? I just found it unrealistic that anyone who cares about their pet that much would leave them to die. Actually I preferred Angus to die. He is such a shallow and annoying character, and he is so nosey it's unbearable!
The second book kind of made me get this face:



I felt like after the first book, Will all of a sudden gets feelings for Gretchen, and there was no progression in their relationship. He's also a bit of a creep for a boyfriend. He would sit and look out the window waiting until she came home late at night... watch out Gretchen, the guy is a total weirdo! These two have such a weird relationship. One minute, they're lovey dovey, then the next minute they act like best friends and then go back to holding hands. It's so wishy washy.
Although I did love the main theme of the book, which is nothing on the planet is permanent, and that there are constant changes we need to adapt to, such as death, the second book was a bit... anti-climatic. I loved the drama and suspension, but it just didn't do much for me. I give this series (***) 3 stars.

The Mermaid's Purse by Ted Hughes

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Ted Hughes
Pages: 64

Summary(amazon.com):
In The Mermaid's Purse, Ted Hughes explores the ocean. From starfish and seagulls to mermaids and monsters, 28 poems capture the beauty, drama, and mystery of the sea and the seashore

My Review:
Mermaid poems are often very hard to find, so I was so excited when I found this book! Although this book sadly, only has one or two poems about mermaids, the rest of the book is phenomenal. There is a poem for each sea animal that is commonly associated with the ocean, such as a crab, whale, shark, anemone and a clam! Even though the illustrations are in black and white, it really does not matter, because the words , and how they are strung together, speak for itself. Anyone who simply appreciates and loves the ocean, as well as mermaids, will love this beautiful book of poems. I give this book (****) 4 stars.
- Sirenita The Selkie

The Little Mermaid by Sonia W. Black

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Sonia W. Black
Pages: N/A 

Summary(scholastic.com):
Hans Christian Andersen's tale of a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human in order to marry the man she loves is told in this easy reader adaptation featuring Lanza's elegant watercolor illustrations.

My Review:

I had to take this pic to show u guys!
Isnt she gorgeous?

As soon as I picked this up from the library, I was entranced by the beauty of the cover; the mermaid is so beautiful! As soon as you open the first page, the mermaid illustrations flow just like the current, and I loved the softness of the watercolor. This book also kept all the original details, but there was one detail I didn't understand. In the original Hans Christian Anderson story, the mermaids only get to wear oyster shells when they turn 15, to show that they are adults and also to show their status. I don't really understand why The Little Mermaid is the only one wearing oyster shells, especially since she is the youngest. Overall, this is a great version for kids learning to reads and for them to also learn a great fairytale. I give this book (*****) 5 stars. 
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Secret by Denise Patrick

Book Type: Children's Literature/ Board Book ( book with cardboard pages)
Author: Denise Patrick
Pages: 14

Summary:
Ariel learns what humans are, and what beautiful treasures they make!

My Review:
I love reading about Ariel's adventures, and I plan on building a collection of books just about her! What I absolutely loved about this book was that Ariel learns about humans for the first time, and I guess that she had to be very young here. She also makes her secret grotto for the first time, filling it with treasures that we see in the movie later on :) Since it is a board book, I would've expected the text to be very juvenile but I was surprised; it's actually just simplified and has shorter sentences. I would've bought this, but I dont like board books. I think collectors of Ariel stuff will love this, and I give this book (*****) 5 stars.

Can we all appreciate how grumpy
Sebastian looks? I love it!

-Sirenita The Selkie

Barbie as the Pearl Princess: Magical Mermaid Adventure by Mary Man Kong

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Mary Man Kong
Pages: 16

Summary(amazon.com):
Barbie stars as Lumina, a mermaid who dreams of being a princess. As long as she can remember, she’s had a magical power that makes pearls dance and glow! Lumina, and her best friend Kuda, a pink seahorse, embark on an adventure to a majestic mer-kingdom. There, she uses her powers to help her friends prepare for the Royal Ball. Lumina then discovers that her magical pearls are the key to unlocking her true destiny and ultimately saving the kingdom.


My Review:
I was so excited when this new mermaid movie came out, especially because I've always loved Barbie! At first, I thought it was going to be very similar to Barbie In A Mermaid Tale but the story line is actually very different. I have to admit; I was slightly disappointed by this book. It doesn't exactly follow the plot of the movie. For example, although in the book the reader sees Scylla taking Lumina out of her crib and stealing her, we never actually see this in the movie. A good chunk of detail was cut out. However, the book was okay. Hopefully I can find a better version! I give this book (*** - ****) between 3 and 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie