Review - The Mermaid Moon

The Mermaid Moon
by Briony May Smith
Date: 2022
Publisher: Anne Schwartz Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this magical picture book perfect for all young mermaid lovers, two best friends--one who lives on land, the other in the water--share an exciting adventure on the night of the Mermaid Moon: the one time each year mermaids can leave the sea.

Once, there were two best friends. One was from the sea, a mermaid named Merrin, and one was from the land, a human named Molly. Of course Merrin has never been to Molly's house; how can she visit when she must stay underwater? But then comes the night of the Mermaid Moon, when sea creatures can fly through the air! And this year, Merrin is finally old enough to join in. Together she and Molly visit the Mermaid Moon festival, eat ice cream, and ride on a swing in Molly's backyard. But when it is time for Merrin to leave--the moon is sinking toward the sea--she is unable to get down from a tree the girls have climbed. And if she doesn't get back home before the moon sets, the Mermaid Moon magic will disappear from the earth forever.

Here is a delightful and dramatic picture book that makes every girl's dream of being friends with a mermaid come true!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I read Margaret's Unicorn a couple of years ago and thought it was absolutely charming. Briony May Smith is back with another magical tale, this time about two little girls—one human and one mermaid—who share a magical evening together on a very special night of the year.

The stakes are high. (Merrin's mother tells her that if she doesn't make it home to the sea in time, all the magic will be lost. No pressure.) But of course the girls manage to figure out a way to preserve the magic.

The illustrations are really cute. Since much of the story takes place at night, lighting casts a dreamy effect over the pictures.

This is another winner from Smith. It's sure to be a hit with mermaid lovers, as well as with those looking for sweet picture-book stories about friendship.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5