A Treasury of Mermaids: Mermaid Tales from Around the World

By Shirley Climo

Book Overview

Enter the mermaid's realm, where brightly colored fish dart through strands of seaweed and noble octopi guard the gates of underwater palaces. From the ice floes of Alaska to the islands of the Mediterranean Sea to the reefs of New Zealand, the power of a magical water maiden is matched only by her unpredictability. For who can guess what may happen when a mermaid finds herself face-to-face with a human? Gathered from the diverse cultures, the stories in this collection tell of mortals who strive to capture mermaids--and mermen--as well as those who seek to rescue them from peril; mortals who entice mermaids to live on dry land, and those who dare follow mermaids under the waves. And here, too, are the fates of those fortunate--or follish--enough to listen to the mermaid's appealing song. Renowed author and folklorist Shirley Climo presents tales of mystical merfolk from around the globe. Accompained by stunning illustrations from Jean and Mou-sien Tseng, the stories are woven together with threads of international mermaid lore, presenting a world of watery enchantment.A catch of international mermaids, from a Japanese ningyo and a Swiss nix to an Irish merrow and an Alaskan nuquot, swim through the pages of this elegant gift volume. Drawing on the folklore of diverse cultures, renowned author Shirley Climo presents a multi-faceted view of merfolk, exploring the promises and perils of meeting these creatures. Accompanied by stunning paintings from the brushes of Jean and Mou-sien Tseng, the stories in this collection are woven together with insightful introductions comparing and contrasting the myths of many lands. Lavishly designed and illustrated, this beautiful book is the definitive collection of mermaid lore. A catch of international mermaids, from a Japanese ningyo and a Swiss nix to an Irish merrow and an Alaskan nuquot, swim through the pages of this elegant gift volume. Drawing on the folklore of diverse cultures, renowned author Shirley Climo presents a multi-faceted view of merfolk, exploring the promises and perils of meeting these creatures. Accompanied by stunning paintings from the brushes of Jean and Mou-sien Tseng, the stories in this collection are woven together with insightful introductions comparing and contrasting the myths of many lands. Lavishly designed and illustrated, this beautiful book is the definitive collection of mermaid lore.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060238763
• ISBN13: 9780060238766
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.5" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 1 year and up
• Grade Range: Preschool and higher

Customer Reviews

My favorite book as a child.

My parents purchased me this book when I was about seven years old. It easily became my favorite. I had been obsessed with mermaids since I was about three years old, and the elaborate stories and beautiful illustrations left me aesthetically satisfied. I would say it is effective enough if it has stuck with my memory for ten years. I highly recommend this for any child with an avid interest in mermaids.

the best book I have read in a long time

this book is great for anyone who likes mermaids and a good myth my favorites were about romance of human and merfolk I loved it my favorite mermaid book I have read and believe me I have read alot the pictures were really life like and the book is cheap I just could'nt put it down I would suggest this book for anyone that can read

Readable, enjoyable -- not just for mermaid lovers!

These well-chosen tales are told in a smooth, enjoyable style. Each tale is prefaced by a good deal of background regarding mermaids of various cultures--always interesting, though sometimes unrelated to the tale. The accompanying illustrations are simple but not unenjoyable. Overall this is the best collection of mermaid tales I've found yet. Although the paperback format makes it less apealing as a gift or keepsake item, I'd still choose this volume over the other mermaid books I've read simply for its readability. I recommend this book not just to those who love mermaids, but also to anyone who loves folklore and good stories.

My daughter loved this book

My daughter is fascinated by mermaids. She loved the stories of mermaids from all around the world, all of which were very well written. I recommend this for any child who is interested in mermaids.

A Serenade of Mermaids

The introductions to each story are pretty good, though manydon't connect very well with the story they introduce. I see thisbook being used by the Alaska units for the unusual Alaska mermaidstory. This is a folklore book with good black and white illustrations. Excellent book for the 3rd grade through the 7th grade, and it is also recommended as a good read for teachers.