Book Type: Children's Book/ Classic Story
Author: Jan Brett
Pages: 32
Summary(goodreads.com): An under-the-sea version of Goldilocks.When Kiniro, a young mermaid, comes upon a gorgeous house made of seashells and coral, she is so curious that she goes inside. She's thrilled to find a just-right breakfast, pretty little chair, and, best of all, a comfy bed that rocks in the current. But when the Octopus family returns home, they are not happy to find that someone has been eating their food and breaking their things. Baby has the biggest shock when she finds the mermaid asleep in her bed! Luckily, shock turns to happiness when Kiniro gives her a thoughtful gift before escaping from the twenty-four arms coming her way.
My Review:
Since I was a little seal pup, Jan Brett's classics have been a staple in book memories. Her most memorable tails to me are The Mitten, a tale based on Russian folklore and The Gingerbread Baby. Since Christmas is around the iceberg, check this out along with this cute mermaid book!
A classic Brett tale has beautiful imagery that brings you into the story- a land of wonder and magic. This Japanese version of the classic tale "Godilocks and the Three Bears" features traditional Asian-inspired concepts and creatures! Because the story takes place underwater, the bear family is instead a bunch of adorable octopi wearing traditional clothing. Kiniro is the star mermaid in this tale, but she is a bit strange looking. Instead of an innocent mermaid to represent the child-like wonder of Goldilocks, she reminds me of a sea monster. Her tail is a pale green that has armored scales all the way upto her chest. Still, I loved her impish smile as she swam around the octopi's home!
The text is simple and classic, taking older readers back to their childhood while still keeping little mers intrigued as well! Brett's books are also known for showing the audience future events. In small pictures on the side pages, we see Baby the octopus getting into trouble with his living hat made out of an eagle ray!
This is a very cute spin on a traditional story that not only showcases the traditional lesson of "don't be nosy" or "don't use other people's items without permission" but also adds a new concept with the value of sharing!
I give this children's book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie