A little human girl named Molly, living in the fishing village of Merporth, and a young mermaid named Merrin, living in the harbor at the foot of the village, are best friends in this magical picture book from British author/illustrator Briony May Smith. Although not able to fully inhabit one another's worlds, they meet where the two join, having many adventures above and below the water. Then one night, when the power of the Mermaid Moon is supreme, Merrin is able to leave the ocean, and pay a floating visit to her land-bound friends. But after a wonderful, fun-filled time, Merrin and Molly become stuck in a tree, putting everything in danger. For if Merrin does not return to the sea before the reflection of the moon on the water disappears, her scales will dry out, and magic will disappear from the cove forever...

Having absolutely loved Briony May Smith's Margaret's Unicorn, an earlier picture book about a little girl and the magical creature she befriends, I was very excited to track down The Mermaid Moon. I was not at all disappointed, finding the story both heartwarming and enchanting, and enjoying the lovely, expressive artwork immensely! I really appreciate the way in which Smith tells stories about little girls and their magical adventures, setting her tales in contemporary environments, but also populating them with mythical creatures and beings that feel timeless (or out of time). Whereas the earlier book about Margaret presented a fantastical variant on the classic story of not being able to keep a wild creature (however beloved) as a companion, here we have a magical version of an inter-community friendship story. It's both reassuring and heartwarming that, despite the fact that they hail from different elements, Molly and Merrin find a way to come together. The accompanying mixed media artwork captures the beauty of both girls' worlds, but I think it is the underwater scenes that truly shine. The depictions of Merrin's mermaid cave are just gorgeous, and I particularly loved the play of light and shadow on the faces of the little mermaid and her mother. Recommended to young mermaid lovers, and to any picture book readers looking for magical stories with a contemporary "realistic" setting. ( )

A cute friendship story between between a little girl and a mermaid. ( )

Molly, a human who lives in Merporth, is best friends with Merrin, a mermaid who lives in the harbor. On the night of the special mermaid moon, all the sea creatures can swim through the air and visit the town - but, Merrin's mother warns her, they must return to the sea before the moon's reflection disappears from the water. This Cinderella setup provides just the right engine to move the story, as Molly and Merrin wish for more time together. The two actually make responsible choices, but when Molly is stuck in a tree, Merrin refuses to leave her. She remembers a whale song her mother taught her, and calls for help, and the ending is safe and happy for all.

A sweet, magical tale. ( )