The Secret World of Fairies and Mermaids

What little girl isn’t fascinated by fairies or mermaids at some point in time or another? I certainly was growing up and still am to some extent. (If you recall, I read The Tail of Emily Windsnap last year because I was interested in the mermaid tale.) There is just something magical about them and since I’m becoming convinced that girls can accept things that aren’t real a whole lot more easily than boys, we connect faster with these mythical creatures. (Well. Maybe they are real. That’d be fun!) Move over knights and pirates and make room for the pretty little fairies!

Silver Dolphin Books have produced a few gift type of books for young girls (or old girls?) relating to fairies and mermaids. In each box book there are figurines which make the books all that more appealing in my estimation! Each book is also unique in giving you a history of the creatures being discussed. For example, in The Secret World of Fairies we are given a description of flower fairies, where they live, what their life cycle and disposition is, etc. We also learn about fairy kin such as elves and hobgoblins. The illustrations range from historical artwork to photographs (of, um, things that CAN be photographed). This is a very sweet book and absolutely perfect for anyone who likes lores, legends and long walks through magical woods.

The Secret World of Mermaids (as told to Francine Rose) also does not question the existence of these mythical sea creatures so young minds will not have to worry about being plagued with any doubts. There are pictures of mermaid scales discovered in 1927 (I love it!) and gold jewelry that was found by an old sea captain who swore he saw mermaids bobbing around in some reefs he was exploring. A mermaid map is provided, listing where each type of mermaid lives. Apparently it has been identified where each “species” lives, such as the whalecallers, the oceanracers, the hullbrakers, etc. However, it should be duly noted that no one knows exactly where the Darkdreamers live. I love this book for its creativity!

If you have a little girl who loves fairies or mermaids, I would encourage you to check these out. I sure would have loved them when I was younger. And who knows? Maybe with information on sand writing and how to contact mermaids on the beach, your little dream girl will get lucky and actually meet a mermaid for herself!

I’m sure stranger things have happened.

Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.