Part-time Mermaid by Deborah Underwood
Like many writers, I'm a daydreamer. It's almost part of my job description! And the book rec today is a great "what if" for kids.
Title: Part-Time Mermaid Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Cambria Evans
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion, March, 2018
Intended Ages: 3-5
Themes: Bedtime, Imagination, Siblings
Opening Line: "During the day, I am a regular girl."
Synopsis: At bedtime, a girl imagines she is a daring mermaid, and her younger brother a merboy--and they awaken with wet hair!
What I like about this book: Okay--this isn't very "deep" as reasons go (but there's a sea pun already!) --I love the sparkly cover! If I was going to be a mermaid, I'd pick the shimmery pink tail, too.
The story has a Clark Kent/Superman feel to it as a mild-mannered girl by day transforms into a brave mermaid at night. With cleaner shrimp for my bedroom and the gumption to stand up to the sea witch I can picture myself in this deep sea world.
I also love the second layer to the plot, the sibling element of the story, as the MC's pesky younger brother during the daytime becomes her partner after visiting this imaginary world where humans (in her dream world) are nonplussed by mermaids and octopuses and turtles eat strawberry ice cream!
Resources/Activities:
- Deborah and Cambria combined on a partner title--Part-time Princess. Read both books and talk about which character you would like to be, and why
- Come up with other "part-time" jobs you would like to have
- If you were a superhero, who would be your sidekick?
- Draw a picture of your favorite sea creature
- I love the jellyfish lunch by Deirdre at http://jdaniel4smom.com/2013/05/lunch-for-kids-jellyfish-for-lunch.html ! Getting hungry . . .
- Go swimming and practice your mermaid/merboy moves
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week. I'd love to hear your thoughts about it in the comments!
This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF
Note: My review is based on a review copy received from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The post takes me back to very serious hours spent mer-training with my sidekicks! Hair flow was a key element and could not be ‘set free’ in the public pool! Looking forward to reading!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like time well spent! I should begin mer-training immediately.
DeleteA mermaid as a superhero? Why not? Pesky brother as sidekick? Perfect! I love Deborah Underwood's sense of humor... gotta read this one!
ReplyDeleteMermaids don't get the respect they deserve. ;) This one is a fun read.
DeleteHow fun! My daughter just finished reading a middle grade mermaid story, mermaid themed items keep popping up in the stores, and now I read your picture book review about mermaids. Today is library day, so I'll see if I can find this book to add to my mermaid experience.
ReplyDeleteGo mermaids (and merboys!). Undersea adventures capture my imagination. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteFun review. Looking forward to finding this one.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it! It's a good lead-in to summer beach season.
DeleteDidn't realize Deborah had a new book out. It sounds like the perfect wishful and imaginative book for young children.
ReplyDeleteShe has more than one! I could do a series on her. Hope you enjoy the imaginative adventure in this one.
DeleteOkay so we all dreamed of being a mermaid at some time... hehehe.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous book and I loved the review. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by! Still dreaming of that . . .
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