The Mermaid Princesses

January 1, 2023
Jealousy, rivalry...honestly, is that any way for a future mermaid queen to behave? Undersea royals Anaya, Shante, and Kianna, who all present Black, are all different--Anaya is kind, Shante is strong and courageous, and Kianna loves to learn. They are also strong-willed and more than a little ambitious, which leads to lots of sparring over who is best suited to serve as the future queen. Their mother, the queen, is not amused with their bickering, telling the girls that a queen must be a loving sibling. The girls swim off and encounter a baby dolphin in need of help--working together to help the creature, they all learn a powerful lesson. In the cheerful tradition of mermaid fantasies such as The Tail of Emily Windsnap (2003) by Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb, and Mermaids Are Real (2020) by Holly Hatam, this story combines bright, jewel-toned colors and an upbeat narrative. The story is a bit predictable but enjoyable; the most memorable part of the book is the appended list of fun facts about mermaids in African lore, such as stories of Mami Wata and Yemaya. Cameron-Gordon makes clear that though mermaids of color--like all mermaids--might be a fantasy, they're one we all can share. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A satisfying addition to any little mermaid's library. (Picture book. 5-9)

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April 24, 2023
In this picture book about collaborative power, three Black-presenting mermaid princesses each have a different gift. Anaya is a sweet-natured songstress, Shante is a bold explorer, and Kianna is a diligent student—and each one of them dreams of becoming queen. When they ask their mother which one will be crowned, bickering along the way, the monarch admonishes them: “Whoever is to be queen must first and foremost be a good sister and protector.” Encountering a baby dolphin in distress, the sisters each use their strengths to save it, an event that reveals an answer to the question of queendom: “The ocean needs a queen that is strong and fierce as a shark, as clever and wise as an octopus, and as kind and caring as a dolphin.” Cameron-Gordon handily demonstrates the importance of teamwork in protecting the greater good, while Ortega’s candy-hued waterscapes and ornate, thoughtfully rendered character designs offer the feel of an animated short. Ages 4–8.

May 5, 2023

PreS-Gr 3-Three very different mermaid princesses debate who will one day become queen in this enchanting and encouraging tale. Sisters Anaya, Shante, and Kianna could not be more different; Anaya is the kindest and sweetest, Shante is the bravest, while Kianna is the wisest. The one thing all three sisters share is their dream of becoming queen. The trio travel to ask their mother-the current queen-which of them will sit on the throne. Before she can reply, the sisters begin bickering with each other, and are sent away by their mother who informs them that the future queen must be a good sister and protector. Swimming away, they encounter a trapped dolphin in desperate need of help. They quickly work together, using their strengths and learning an invaluable lesson in the process. Cameron-Gordon's upbeat text is a strong read-aloud choice, instilling in readers the importance of collaboration and helping others. Ortega's vibrant digital illustrations create a stunning underwater world. The mermaid princesses and queen all present Black; the merpeople of the kingdom are diverse in skin tone. Back matter includes facts about mermaids in African culture, such as tales of Mami Wata and Yemaya. VERDICT With stunning artwork accompanied by universal themes, this is recommended for purchase for most collections.-Olivia Gorecke

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