The Mermaid - Hardcover

Brett, Jan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399170723 ISBN 13: 9780399170720

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, 2017

Synopsis

A striking under-the-sea version of Goldilocks with bonus storytelling in the borders, as only Jan Brett could create.

When Kiniro, a young mermaid, comes upon a gorgeous house made of seashells and coral, she is so curious that she goes inside. She’s thrilled to find a just-right breakfast, pretty little chair, and, best of all, a comfy bed that rocks in the current.
 
But when the Octopus family returns home, they are not happy to find that someone has been eating their food and breaking their things. Baby has the biggest shock when she finds the mermaid asleep in her bed! Luckily, shock turns to happiness when Kiniro gives her a thoughtful gift before escaping from the twenty-four arms coming her way.
 
Vibrant, intricate scenes of an underwater paradise transport this classic fairy tale to a magical setting inspired by the seas off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Along with fun details that enrich the storytelling in Jan Brett's trademark borders, this visual treat will enchant readers of all ages.

About this title

About the Author

“A baby octopus waved its little arms at me when I glimpsed it on some coral while in the ocean off the island of Okinawa when I was visiting my daughter and her husband. It wasn’t until I returned home and was musing over what creatures would take the place of the three bears in my under-the-sea Goldilocks story that it dawned on me that octopuses, intelligent and mischievous, would be just right. I admired the Okinawan houses and made the Octopus house like the island ones. When I worried out loud that the octopuses looked alien, my young friend Alma suggested they wear hats. Now the setting and the clothes were Japanese.

“Back in Boston, the New England Aquarium’s cold-water aquarist introduced me to Sy, their famous giant Pacific octopus. I had an ‘arms on’ experience with her. From then on, my characters seemed to take shape by themselves.

“Alice went down a rabbit hole to find another world. For me, I stepped off the beach in Okinawa.” —Jan Brett

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—In an aquatic version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," Kiniro, the beautiful mermaid, is intrigued by the mystique and beauty of the little seashell house she swims by. Curious, she enters the home and sees breakfast set on the table. Unable to resist, Kiniro tastes the marine delicacies. The delicious morsel in the smallest bowl is her favorite, and she eats it up completely. The mermaid then floats to the living room and sits in three chairs. The smallest chair is the prettiest, but she breaks it to bits as she tries to wiggle in. Finally, Kiniro feels the three beds and discovers that she loves the little clamshell swing bed the most. This is where the octopus family finds her when they return to their watery abode. Not only is this fractured fairy tale a delight to read, there is also an adorable side story skillfully told in the border art as only Brett can. Set in the waters off of the coast of Okinawa, this colorful picture book is exquisite. The full-page illustrations are gorgeous in shades of turquoise, pink, green, and blue. The border art is detailed, and readers could spend hours diving into all there is to explore. VERDICT A one-on-one treat for folktale aficionados and, of course, for Brett's many fans.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

About this edition

• Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0399170723
• ISBN 13: 9780399170720
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Brett Jan