The Mermaid Moon
Briony May Smith
Walker Books

Mermaid Merrin and human girl, Molly are best friends. Molly’s home is in a cottage near the harbour side at Merporth a fishing village from where she can watch the sea from her bedroom. Merrin lives with her mum, Nerissa in a cave carved in the wall of the harbour. The girls played together every day after school, Molly above water, Merrin below.

One might each year Merporth celebrated the Mermaid Moon festival. On that night Perrin’s mum allows her daughter to go and join the celebrations with a Cinderella-like warning to “make sure to be home before the moon’s reflection disappears from the sea… ’. Using a special Mermaid Moon magic

Merrin is able to ascend, fly through the air and visit the streets full of stalls and celebrating villagers.

When the market closes Molly takes Merrin to see her bedroom

but all too soon, through the window Merrin notices the moon glinting and knows she should start for her own home. She does so but gets distracted on the way. Will she be able to make it home in time? Perhaps, but only with some extra special help from Molly and a very large sea creature.

Briony’s modern fairytale wherein friendship is key, will appeal specially to thoughtful readers and listeners who enjoy a touch of magic, which is something that her illustrations in particular are imbued with.