Wednesday 27 August 2014

The Singing Mermaid (Special Edition with Mermaid Toy) by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks (Macmillan Children's Books)


The Singing Mermaid

Written by Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by Lydia Monks

Published by Macmillan Children's Books

"The Singing Mermaid" is a book Charlotte has loved for a long time, as our Dentist rather thoughtfully has a copy in their waiting room. Every time we go for a brush up and check up, Charlotte makes straight for the book and we read it together (if there's one really genius idea, it's having great children's books in a dentist to calm them down before they go in!)

The story is a delightfully original twist on mermaid tales. The singing mermaid loves to sing to all the sea creatures and seagulls at Silversands Bay but when a ruthless unscrupulous circus owner tempts her away with promises of gold and soft feather beds to sleep on, the mermaid bids goodbye to Silversands and runs off (sorry, should say "is carried off!") to join the circus.

Life at the circus isn't too bad at first but Sam Sly, the circus owner, doesn't deliver on his promises - and soon the poor mermaid finds herself missing her friends and the golden beach.

Thankfully a Seagull hears her singing one evening, and decides to hatch an escape plan. Can the mermaid possibly get away with nothing but a swishy silvery tale to make good her escape with?

This special edition of "The Singing Mermaid" comes with a gorgeously made Singing Mermaid doll for your little ones to cuddle (and cuddle she did, Charlotte has taken her little Singing Mermaid everywhere with her since it arrived). The book is a pint-sized version of the story which is perfect for tucking into a bag.

Julia Donaldson's writing is as tight and expert as ever, and Lydia Monks' illustrations are colourful and enchanting.

It's a little early to start planning christmas presents perhaps, but this would make a brilliant one!

Charlotte's best bit: Having her very own singing mermaid to cuddle (of course) and the mermaid's spectacular escape from the circus

Daddy's Favourite bit: A wonderful and original mermaid story pitch-perfect to read aloud, with gorgeous art. Love the mini version, perfect for tucking into a child's bag for days out or stays at Grandma and Grandad's house

(Kindly sent to us for review by Macmillan Children's Books)