Lily the Pond Mermaid by Lucy Fleming (Author, Illustrator) - Review

 

My thoughts:  This is a sweet, charming, lovely read for young children; and it is beautifully illustrated. Stories about mermaids fall into the category of myths and legends and are slightly akin to fairy tales. In short, they are totally make-believe.

Lily the Pond Mermaid takes the "fish" out of the sea but keeps her in the water. Though landlocked in a little pond, "Lily" has a personality that is loving, kind, gentle, and giving. She loves to watch out for all the critters in the pond. She cares for them. She worries about them. She solves problems for them. And one dark day there is a major storm when the rain falls and the wind blows. Lily and the critters take shelter in the little niches under the pond to stay safe from the storm.

Afterward, Lily sees the havoc the storm brought and is over-wrought. This is when her critter friends step in and help Lily.

A lovely book and a really sweet story about caring for others and bringing joy into the lives of others. I am concerned about the level of despair and worry Lily experiences and how this will impact the young minds and hearts for which this story is written. Is it too much? Is it right to talk outright about worry to children who know nothing about it or are experiencing it? Well, that's an issue each parent must address within their own homes. Again, I repeat, this is a sweet and lovely book.

About the book: Friendship, worries, and newfound courage all play a part in this underwater tale of a tiny mermaid heroine.

“I’ll always be here;

there’s no need to fear.

All will be well when

a pond mermaid’s near.”

Lily the pond mermaid loves taking care of her pond and all the creatures that call it home. But it’s also a big responsibility. Lily often worries about not being able to keep the pond—and everyone in it—safe. As her worries grow, a big storm hits the pond, and everything becomes covered in a tangle of debris. Luckily, Lily is able to share her feelings with her friends and ask for help. Together, Lily and the animals that live in the pond not only restore their home but also learn how to take care of one another.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.