Lilly and Fin: A Mermaid's Tale - Hardcover

CORNELIA FUNKE is the New York Times bestselling author of many magical novels for children, including The Thief Lord, Dragon Rider, and Inkheart. She is also the author of the charming chapter books Emma and the Blue Genie, The Pirate Pig, and Ruffleclaw. Once named one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine, Cornelia was born in Germany and lives with her family in California. Visit corneliafunke.com to find out more.

Gr 2–4—Lilly and Fin are adventurous merpups who live deep in the sea amid the wreckage of sunken ships with other mermaid families. Even though their parents have told them to stay close to home and beware of ships, propellers, and "two legs" (aka humans), Lilly and Fin don't give the advice a moment's thought as they sneak away to investigate a cave they recently found. Unbeknownst to them, exploring the same area are a mermaid-obsessed couple, the Snorkels. They have acquired just about every sea species there is except mermaids and they are determined to get one for their collection. Ignatius Harkenear, the famous underwater detective, has looked far and wide and has discovered this school of mermaids. The Snorkels and Harkenear jump into their submarine, the Sea Devil, in hopes of finally obtaining their prize. Lilly and Fin are exploring when the submarine invades their playground. As they scramble to evade capture, giant pincers reach out to grab them. Readers will quickly turn the pages to see if Lilly and Fin elude capture or wind up on display in the Snorkels' aquarium. VERDICT At under 100 pages, with short chapters, plenty of illustrations, and fast-paced action, this is an accessible option for young readers ready for chapter books.—Laura Fields Eason, Parker Bennett Curry Elementary School, Bowling Green, KY