Legend of Sea Glass (Myths, Legends, Fairy and Folktales) - Hardcover

Noble, Trinka Hakes

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1585366110 ISBN 13: 9781585366118

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, 2016

Synopsis

Long, long ago there was a time when men did not venture into the deep ocean waters. It was believed that the world was flat and to sail beyond the horizon meant falling off the edge of the earth. So even though they were drawn to and fascinated by the ocean, men feared it. And as men lived their lives above the water, far beyond their view and in the ocean's deepest depths lived mysterious and magical sea creatures, half girl and half fish. These shy, gentle creatures were called mermaids and much loved by the ocean. And when men finally overcame their fear and ventured out to sea, risking disaster and even death, it was the mermaids who came to their rescue. Written by award-winning author Trinka Hakes Noble, this original legend explains the origin of sea glass, attributing it to the tears of mermaids, weeping for lives lost at sea.

About this title

About the Author

Trinka Hakes Noble is the award-winning author of numerous picture books including The Orange Shoes (2007 National Parenting Publications Awards Honors Winner), The Scarlet Stockings Spy (2005 IRA Teachers' Choice), The Last Brother, and The Legend of the Cape May Diamond. Ms. Noble also wrote the ever-popular Jimmy's Boa series and Meanwhile Back at the Ranch, both featured on PBS's Reading Rainbow. Her many awards include ALA Notable Children's Book, Booklist Children's Editors' Choice, IRA-CBC Children's Choice, Learning: The Year's Ten Best, and several Junior Literary Guild Selections. Ms. Noble has studied children's book writing and illustrating in New York City at Parsons School of Design, the New School University, Caldecott medalist Uri Shulevitz's Greenwich Village Workshop, and at New York University. A member of the Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature, she was awarded Outstanding Woman 2002 in Arts and Letters in the state of New Jersey for her lifetime work in children's books. Ms. Noble currently lives in the historic Jockey Hollow area of Bernardsville, New Jersey.

Review

The Legend of Sea Glass by Trinka Hakes Noble is a watery, colorful picture book about the mysteries of the deep blue (and sometimes green) sea and one of the legends that sprang forth from it.
The book opens to an explanation of why men did not venture across the seas: namely because everyone thought the earth was flat and they could fall off it at any moment. While mankind squabbled about the shape of the earth, mysterious creatures frolicked with seals, otters, and dolphins deep on the ocean floor. These creatures were, of course, mermaids: maidens of the sea [who] had splendid flowing tails and long graceful hair that swayed like seaweed in the ocean s currents.
When men discovered that the world was round, they quickly set out on watery adventures. Some were caught in storms that destroyed their ships and placed their lives in danger, and when this happened the thrifty mermaids rushed to their rescue. Unfortunately, the mermaids couldn t save every single man, and whenever one was lost they shed many tears that ultimately turned to glass on the ocean floor.
Written for grades 1-4 and ages 6-9, this is an interesting little adventure book that conjures memories of the legend books of yester-year. Although Ms. Noble s prose is both creative and age-appropriate, it is wordy enough to be daunting for emerging readers. But this is a minor quibble, especially since artist Doris Ettlinger s lovely illustrations are vibrant with sea colors and sea creatures that bring the book to life.
Great for group or independent reading, or for those who are big fans of all types of myths and legends. --Picture Book Depot

The Legend of Sea Glass is a fantastic picture book that invents a mythology behind "sea glass", brightly colored pieces of glass commonly found on beaches adjacent to bodies of salt water. In this story, mermaids dedicate themselves to saving the lives of humans lost at sea; but sometimes the tempestuous, raging waters are so cruel that even a mermaid's mercy is not enough. A note of wistful tragedy permeates this thoughtful storybook, brought to life with beautiful color illustrations. --Midwest Book Review

Edition details

• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1585366110
• ISBN 13: 9781585366118
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Ettlinger Doris