Is it the tail? The singing? Is it the hint of hidden treasures glimmering in the deeps? All of these I think, and more -- the sense of a secret life beneath the waves that maybe, if we peer very hard through the foam on a trip to the seaside, we can glimpse in some part but never share.
With that thwarted desire in mind, Professor Berk has contrived with the Oceanic powers to reveal the enchantments, language, and lives of the merfolk and other sea folk. Under his guidance we wander through their favorite coves, examine the lore of shells, mirrors and mermaid grooming tips. You may find that the mermaids are so clever and elusive that they are a challenge (for older eyes at least) to discern within the swirls and eddies of the oceanic artwork. However, every page will reward a closer look! There are 7 mermaids in the Mer Village alone, and another 20 or so Mer-folk here and there through the sturdy pages of the book.
As with the other books in this series, the reader is assumed to be a young person of good intelligence and reading skills, with an interest in the mysteries and enchantments of the world, although adults will find equal fascination on every page. In amongst the fanciful content is a rich trove of legendary matter, from Atlantis to seamen's tales to circus hoaxes, plus fold-outs, messages, and rhymes, with tail-flips decoded and charms defined. It's a book the reader can return to again and again for dozens of little revelations about this enchanting, legendary world. Open it anywhere, and find a land of poetry and wonder.