cover image The Mermaid Summer

The Mermaid Summer

Mollie Hunter. HarperCollins Publishers, $13.95 (118pp) ISBN 978-0-06-022627-5

Only Eric denies the existence of the mermaid who threatens the fishing village's waters, hence she seeks revenge against him. Eric travels foreign seas to save himself and his family, but he sends them letters and gifts from the countries he visits. The Howdy (the name for the village ``wisewoman'') predicts that these gifts will entangle Eric's grandchildren, Anna and Jon, in an endless challenge with the mermaid and ultimately force a dangerous confrontation with the mermaid. An enchanting story of the sea, Hunter's tale uses rich language that immerses the reader in a land far away and long ago. Stunning images capture the beauty and the magic that invigorate this evocative tale. Ages 8-12. (June)