The little mermaid by Alex Field
Ill. by Owen Swan. New Frontier, 2018. ISBN 9781925059816
In 1837, Hans Christian Andersen gave the world his classic story of
Ariel, The
little mermaid who falls in love with a human prince and in
exchange for legs so she can walk on earth with him, she gives up
her voice. It is very much a tale of 'Be careful what you wish for.'
Retold many times and in many formats, probably the most well-known
version being that of Disney, this is a new retelling that goes back
to the original without all the 'trimmings'. For younger readers who
are emerging as independent readers, it is retold simply in a
straight-forward manner with beautiful new illustrations in
watercolour and coloured pencils.
While teachers'
notes are available, it could be used as one of a number of
versions of this story to compare and contrast additions,
alterations and omissions that the various retellers have chosen to
make. Others in this series include The ugly duckling, The
princess
and the pea, Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and
the beast.
Barbara Braxton