Read for: Netgalley/ Requested Review
Synopsis: "An Irish storyteller revisits the little-known legend of the Mermaid Saint in a haunting, beautifully illustrated tale of kindness, music, and longing.
Long ago, on the eastern coast of Ireland, a monk from the Abbey of Bangor was collecting driftwood along the wave-tossed shore when he found a boy washed up amid a circle of seals. At first the boy, wrapped in a shawl of woven seagrass, could barely move or speak. But when he regained his strength, he recalled being brought ashore by a lady with long golden hair who sang him to safety and gave him a silver ring. The monks knew the legend of a mermaid who had wandered the coast for three hundred years. Could it possibly have been her? Inspired by a story told in medieval chronicles of Irish history about a wondrous happening in the year 558, debut author Marianne McShane weaves a captivating tale, while Jordi Solano captures the legend's spare but welcoming abbey on the rocky shore -- a setting that makes you believe that if you listen hard enough, you too can hear the mermaid's song."
My Review: I love folk tales, and this book really gave me those vibes. The illustrations are stunning. It might be a bit long and go over the heads of the youngest readers but older children will enjoy the story. I love the blending of belief systems in this book, the more magical pagan beliefs and the newer Christian beliefs. The fact that the story is taken from the history books was great as well, I really appreciated the author note describing the historical details.
My Rating: I really enjoyed this book, I loved the illustrations and the historical basis. It may not be perfect for the youngest kids but it would work well for a bedtime story for 5 and up. I give it a rating of Three Paws.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the above is my honest review and opinion.
You can find out more about Marianne McShane and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website.
Rónán and the Mermaid is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, May 19th, but you can pre-order your copy now in print format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local library or bookstore.
Good Night! Sweet Dreams!
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