The Prince and the mermaid's happy marriage is threatened when a wicked witch casts an evil spell.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In the first book he has both written and illustrated, artist Deuchar ( The Proverbial Mouse ; The Search for Spring ) presents a tale of enchantment and sadness. A retelling of a French folktale, the story involves a mermaid who becomes enamored by the sight of a prince; through "an ancient spell known only to mermaids" she turns into a beautiful woman--but only as long as her lover never knows her true form. The two marry and have a son, and all goes well, until a jealous woman enlists the aid of a witch to cast a spell of doubt over the prince. In time he follows the mermaid to the river where he sees her for the last time, as the spell and their hearts are broken. Deuchar's paintings masterfully convey the flavor of the period as well as the romance of the story. The accompanying text, which ends on a poignant note, provides a fresh and engaging rendering of the pain of a love unfortunately lost. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-- When winter drives a group of mermaids from the sea into a sheltered forest stream, one mermaid is so taken by the beauty of the river and its creatures that she stays on into the spring. There she falls hopelessly in love with a handsome prince. She speaks the words of an ancient spell and is transformed into a beautiful young woman (complete with gown and jewelry). The prince marries her, and they have a son. However, the prince ignores his promise not to interfere with his princess' mysterious full-moon excursions, following and watching her as she slips back into mermaid form for the evening. Now she must leave forever, returning to human form only for a few moments with each full moon. A foreword traces this story to an old French folktale, but readers are more likely to think of Andersen's The Little Mermaid or the earthier variants of the seal mother or selkie tales. The story moves swiftly from beginning to end, with an equitable balance of action and description. Rather than the glamorous, pearl-adorned mermaids of the Andersen variations, Deuchar's deep-hued, full-page paintings depict a much more naturalistic group, with sleek piscine tails and streaming hair covering bare breasts, shivering through an icy winter with no undersea palace for protection. The prince is a shaggy-haired, dark, brooding figure in medieval dress who inhabits a stone palace adorned with stained glass windows but little else to soften it. Older fairy-tale fans will love this romantic and tragic tale, which is suitable for reading aloud or for individual use. --Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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