A mermaid's gift of stained glass could keep an island's secret
Written: Jul 21 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Adventure and fantasy in one place for young girls who love a great summer read.
Cons: A little more of Bonnie doing something other than frollop-testing would have been nice.
The Bottom Line: In The Mermaid's Gift, Judith Wade adds a new element to the already fairy-tale-like quality of the story.
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| dandj's Full Review: Judith Wade - The Mermaid's Gift |
It's a new summer on Mermaid Island, and Bonnie Campbell's attitude toward arriving has considerably changed from the year before. This time, having her two friends waiting for her, and knowing what fun lies ahead, means she is eagerly anticipating getting off the ferry and onto the island that will be her summer home. What she doesn't know is that, once again, adventure also awaits her.
Her adventures will come in a couple of different forms. Out at Yeoman's Beach the amazing secret she discovered in the colorful waves the year before is being threatened. Boats are trolling the waters and dropping anchor to search for a sunken ship and its lost treasure. If they come too close, or happen upon the secret themselves, it could be lost forever to the few people, like Bonnie and Moonie, who hold their knowledge in close silence.
Closer to home is a contest Bobbie is determined they will win. Mr. Davis has issued a challenge to make a new Frollop flavor. Frollops are a frozen soda treat with ice cream, unique to Mermaid Island. Unidentified syrup flavors are available for purchase. First, participants must identify the flavors and then mix the ones of their choosing until they create a combination they want to submit. The winners will receive a cash prize, and their Frollop will be featured for the rest of the season.
Bobbie's desire to win is so great, it keeps her at home during the majority of the book, while Moonie and Bobbie try to find out who's behind the treasure hunt and how to get them away from Yeoman's Beach (sometimes only to give their frollop-full bellies a break). A bit of good thinking on Bonnie's part may successfully combine her two adventures in such a way as to preserve the island's secret.
In The Mermaid's Gift, Judith Wade adds a new element to the already fairy-tale-like quality of the story. While sunken treasure would never be enough to entice a boy to read this series aimed at 9-12 year old girls, it certainly makes it more intriguing for the target audience.
There are a lot of elements to be enjoyed both by young girls and even, possibly, for their mothers or grandmothers. I think one of the things that draws me to this trilogy is the summer vacation setting. My family acquired a small cabin about three generations ago that now belongs to my parents. I grew up spending many summer days at that cabin so have tons of fond memories, some similar to Bonnie's. When I was twelve, I met a girl my own age who lived right down the road from my cabin. We wrote throughout the year, and I couldn't wait to get back each summer. That's the type of thing many girls can relate to, some via a family vacation spot and others, perhaps, from camp.
Once again, the language is easy to get through. Even when the author is trying to be flowery, it just comes out as simple prose. There's nothing wrong with that, of course. Sometimes there's something very refreshing and inviting about a book that is approachable.
The Secret of Mermaid Island
The Mermaid's Gift (you are here)
Mermaid Dreams
Note: Thank you to Books Lead Patsy (pestyside) for adding this trilogy for me.
Recommended:
Yes
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dandj
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Member: Danielle Reid
Location: Michigan
Reviews written: 439
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In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season ~ Dave Barry
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