The Girl and the Mermaid
Written by Hollie Hughes ● Illustrated by Sarah Massini
Verdict:
A tender tale of a girl, her granny, and the stories that hold them together, this book handles memory loss with great gentleness, in verse and luminous watercolors.
What is it about?
Alina lives with her granny in a lighthouse by the sea, a home warmed by Granny's magical stories. But Alina is worried: Granny's memories and stories are beginning to fade, and Alina doesn't know how to bring them back. Then one day she meets a mermaid on the rocks near the lighthouse and is swept into an adventure deep under the sea. There, with the mermaid's help, she searches for the lost stories and discovers how she might keep Granny's memories shining brightly.
Our take:
Some picture books entertain, and some equip children for the harder parts of life. This one does both. While the subject of a beloved grandparent losing her memories could become heavy, the book presents it lightly, wrapping it in adventure and warmth. The rhyming text is musical and soothing, and Sarah Massini's illustrations are luminous, from the cozy lamplit lighthouse to the swirling blues and greens of the deep sea. We love the book's message: that stories are a way of holding on to the people we love, and that children can play an important part in keeping memories alive.
Perfect for:
This book is perfect for reading aloud at bedtime, and especially valuable for families navigating a grandparent's aging or memory loss. It offers young children a gentle, hopeful way into a difficult subject, without ever naming it in frightening terms. It will also delight any child who loves mermaids, the ocean, or intergenerational stories. Teachers and librarians will find it a lovely companion for units on family, storytelling, and the sea. Ages three and up.
Conversation Starters
What stories does your family love to tell?
Who tells the best stories in your family, and what makes them so good?
Why do you think Granny's stories started to fade away?
How did Alina help Granny remember?
What would you hope to see on an adventure under the sea?
What is a memory you never want to forget?
How could we save our favorite memories together?
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