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Emily Windsnap #1
Хвісторія Емілі Віндснеп
«Хвісторія Емілі Віндснеп» британської авторки Ліз Кесслер � перший роман із серії про пригоди 12-річної дівчинки-русалки. Історія буде цікавою для молодшого та середнього шкільного віку. Серія книжок про Емілі Віндснеп входить до списку бестселерів New York Times. За сюжетом Емілі Віндснеп живе на човні зі своєю мамою, яка завжди її відмовляла від ідеї навчитися плавати. І недарма: перші ж відвідини шкільного басейну назавжди змінюють життя дівчинки. Емілі дізнається, що вона наполовину русалка. Після чого у неї з’являєтьс� чимало запитань: хто вона насправді, де її тато та чому мати так туманно пам’ята� про власне минуле? Щоб знайти відповіді, Емілі вирушає назустріч захопливим пригодам і небезпекам, що так і манять, таємничо поблискуючи із морських глибин. Вперше книжка була видана у 2003 році. Авторка планувала створення історії у формі вірша, але за порадою редактора написала роман, який згодом переріс у серію із дев’ят� частин.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
2,219 people are currently reading
9,875 people want to read
About the author
Liz Kessler
64books923followersLiz Kessler is the author of three novels about Philippa Fisher as well as the NEW YORK TIMES best-selling Emily Windsnap series. She lives in Manchester, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,501 reviews
June 7, 2017
Let's be honest, this book helped me be strong through bullying, with its magical worlds
(first 'review')
Eighth reread:
Still the same strong feeling of warmth, peace and safeness
this means so much to me I cannot even describe it
It gave me the strength to love myself, and smile again, and it taught me to be brave and hope for the best.
And yes, I know this is not a proper review
So, I am just going to let a little something in here, that hopefully will make you understand how I feel about this
Through the darkest of all times
Through the storm and all the tides
Through the nightmares, through the pain
Your presence, all my fears has slain
My savior, my brighest star
The light in the darkness, my friend by far
Keep me in your pages long
But let me still be safe and strong
When I return to this messy human world
I hope I'll never get bored of this series, no matter how old I grow �
~Mary
(first 'review')
Eighth reread:
Still the same strong feeling of warmth, peace and safeness
this means so much to me I cannot even describe it
It gave me the strength to love myself, and smile again, and it taught me to be brave and hope for the best.
And yes, I know this is not a proper review
So, I am just going to let a little something in here, that hopefully will make you understand how I feel about this
Through the darkest of all times
Through the storm and all the tides
Through the nightmares, through the pain
Your presence, all my fears has slain
My savior, my brighest star
The light in the darkness, my friend by far
Keep me in your pages long
But let me still be safe and strong
When I return to this messy human world
I hope I'll never get bored of this series, no matter how old I grow �
~Mary
January 31, 2019
It's amazing how a book can immediately transport you back to childhood.
May 20, 2010
The plot idea is interesting - a seventh grade girl finds out she's a mermaid when her legs become a tail the first time she's submerged in water for swim lessons - but the writing itself is weak (unless you like books with manipulative "you aren't my friend unless you do this" girl talk).
The speech Emily gives Neptune, the sea god, at the end is suppose to be a moving defense of love and families but came across as trite. Neptune, although he does the right thing in the end, was a disappointment too. I guess I expect more from my gods than individuals who get blustery over being addressed as "sir". I understand that the author might be trying to show his imperfections, but how can someone be a god, when they're just as petulant as the seventh grader who's lecturing them?
The final straw for me was when the author described Emily's height. Would it really have been THAT hard for the author to look at a measuring tape before describing their 7th grade heroine as three feet eight inches tall? My first graders are taller than that!
I gave it 2 stars for concept and an overall positive message about families, but the book was predictable, whiny, and not one that I plan to read any sequels to.
The speech Emily gives Neptune, the sea god, at the end is suppose to be a moving defense of love and families but came across as trite. Neptune, although he does the right thing in the end, was a disappointment too. I guess I expect more from my gods than individuals who get blustery over being addressed as "sir". I understand that the author might be trying to show his imperfections, but how can someone be a god, when they're just as petulant as the seventh grader who's lecturing them?
The final straw for me was when the author described Emily's height. Would it really have been THAT hard for the author to look at a measuring tape before describing their 7th grade heroine as three feet eight inches tall? My first graders are taller than that!
I gave it 2 stars for concept and an overall positive message about families, but the book was predictable, whiny, and not one that I plan to read any sequels to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2018
One of my younger sisters and I discovered this book at the thrift store a few weeks ago, and the gorgeous cover and quirky title intrigued us both. I decided to give it a try. ;)
Since my thoughts on this book are pretty 50/50, I’ll start with what I disliked so we can end on a positive note. ;)
Things I Disliked
1. This is a mermaid book, so Neptune (a.k.a. Poseidon) was inevitable. He was accurately unpredictable like all characters in mythology are, and it was flippantly mentioned that he had multiple wives. Personally, this is not something I like seeing portrayed in a kids� book. ;)
2. Believe it or not, one of the most normal characters in this book was “Mystic Millie�, and while it was pretty clear that all her stuff was fake, there were many mentions of auras, reflexology, etc., and a “hypnosis� session on the main character.
3. The main character went around her mom a lot during the story. Understandable in this case, but not my favorite theme.
4. An adult male makes her feel unsafe and tells her about the circumstances of her birth in a pretty awkward conversation, though I’m not sure a middle-grade reader would catch what they were talking about.
Things I Liked
1. The mermaid culture was pretty cool. :D That’s pretty much what I read the book for, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! Their underground caverns, the descriptions of swimming, even Neptune’s court were all fantastic.
2. “Pretty swishy� is my new favorite slang term for something being “cool�.
3. THE SHIPWRECK.
4. Merbabies. <3 <3 <3
5. Shona and Emily’s friendship was really fun.
6. Emily’s dad was the most adorabling, sad, sweet, loving poet ever. I believe the scientific term for that is “a cinnamon roll�.
7. Mom and Emily’s picnic. They had a nice relationship even though it sometimes had its problems.
8. Illustrations. :D
9. The backstory I am really trying not to spoil. <3
Just a note, there were two blasphemies, some use of redacted language, and the word “wicked� was used to mean “cool�. Also, there was talk of sirens hypnotizing sailors.
Best quote: “The night was crunchy with a million stars, but no moon.�
Aaaaand, I’m geeking out because the mom’s name is Mary Penelope, and you know what Penelope means�
Altogether, this was a cute story with some unfortunate content. ;)
Since my thoughts on this book are pretty 50/50, I’ll start with what I disliked so we can end on a positive note. ;)
Things I Disliked
1. This is a mermaid book, so Neptune (a.k.a. Poseidon) was inevitable. He was accurately unpredictable like all characters in mythology are, and it was flippantly mentioned that he had multiple wives. Personally, this is not something I like seeing portrayed in a kids� book. ;)
2. Believe it or not, one of the most normal characters in this book was “Mystic Millie�, and while it was pretty clear that all her stuff was fake, there were many mentions of auras, reflexology, etc., and a “hypnosis� session on the main character.
3. The main character went around her mom a lot during the story. Understandable in this case, but not my favorite theme.
4. An adult male makes her feel unsafe and tells her about the circumstances of her birth in a pretty awkward conversation, though I’m not sure a middle-grade reader would catch what they were talking about.
Things I Liked
1. The mermaid culture was pretty cool. :D That’s pretty much what I read the book for, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! Their underground caverns, the descriptions of swimming, even Neptune’s court were all fantastic.
2. “Pretty swishy� is my new favorite slang term for something being “cool�.
3. THE SHIPWRECK.
4. Merbabies. <3 <3 <3
5. Shona and Emily’s friendship was really fun.
6. Emily’s dad was the most adorabling, sad, sweet, loving poet ever. I believe the scientific term for that is “a cinnamon roll�.
7. Mom and Emily’s picnic. They had a nice relationship even though it sometimes had its problems.
8. Illustrations. :D
9. The backstory I am really trying not to spoil. <3
Just a note, there were two blasphemies, some use of redacted language, and the word “wicked� was used to mean “cool�. Also, there was talk of sirens hypnotizing sailors.
Best quote: “The night was crunchy with a million stars, but no moon.�
Aaaaand, I’m geeking out because the mom’s name is Mary Penelope, and you know what Penelope means�
Altogether, this was a cute story with some unfortunate content. ;)
June 21, 2017
Read this book to my 7 year old daughter. Had been really looking forward to reading it, & ordered it from the library, as there are follow up novels to this which we were hoping to enjoy too. I am giving this book allowances for the fact that it is a children's book, and as such is geared towards and written for a young, unsophisticated audience.
It was bad, bad, bad. I was absolutely bored to tears with the dreary, thoroughly unlikeable, two dimensional characters, and the erratic and moronic behaviour of the main character, Emily. The plot was repetitive, flat and ridiculous and the whole process of plodding through this book was draining and exhausting.
I have never been so glad to get to the end of a book.
My daughter didn't enjoy this book either, even though I tried to keep my irritation and boredom to myself. Our tastes veer towards the more dark, weird and funny.
On a positive note, when reading aloud, we hugely enjoyed making dolphin noises whenever those dreadful mermaids spoke, to liven them up a bit, and break the monotony of their endless, shallow nonsense. We also discussed at length how unkind they were to one another, and how selfish they were, eg Emily emotionally blackmailing Shona to take her on a huge, tiring journey to see her father in Mermaid prison, telling her that if she was really a best friend, she would do it for her (illustrating and condoning some very disturbing and manipulative behaviour).
It was bad, bad, bad. I was absolutely bored to tears with the dreary, thoroughly unlikeable, two dimensional characters, and the erratic and moronic behaviour of the main character, Emily. The plot was repetitive, flat and ridiculous and the whole process of plodding through this book was draining and exhausting.
I have never been so glad to get to the end of a book.
My daughter didn't enjoy this book either, even though I tried to keep my irritation and boredom to myself. Our tastes veer towards the more dark, weird and funny.
On a positive note, when reading aloud, we hugely enjoyed making dolphin noises whenever those dreadful mermaids spoke, to liven them up a bit, and break the monotony of their endless, shallow nonsense. We also discussed at length how unkind they were to one another, and how selfish they were, eg Emily emotionally blackmailing Shona to take her on a huge, tiring journey to see her father in Mermaid prison, telling her that if she was really a best friend, she would do it for her (illustrating and condoning some very disturbing and manipulative behaviour).
July 30, 2017
Very, very cute book about a girl who, at the age of twelve, has never been fully immersed in water. Although she lives on a house boat, her mother is deathly afraid of water so Emily's never been swimming. The boat is so small there's no room for a bathtub. When she finally takes swimming lessons in school, low and behold she discovers she's a mermaid. Well, sort of...she's got legs when she's out of water, and a tail when she's immersed in water.
Emily is especially endearing because she's always been a bit of an outsider. She doesn't have a best friend, and doesn't quite fit in with the girls in her school. When she finally finds a mermaid best friend it's so endearing it's almost embarassing.
There's a pretty sappy, unrealistic ending, but what are you gonna do? I mean, she's a mermaid after all. You don't read a girly mermaid book without expecting some unrealistic sappy-ness.
I actually listened to this one and I highly recommend it. The narrator is convincing as a pre-teen, and she's got a wicked British accent. Or should I say "swishy?"
Emily is especially endearing because she's always been a bit of an outsider. She doesn't have a best friend, and doesn't quite fit in with the girls in her school. When she finally finds a mermaid best friend it's so endearing it's almost embarassing.
There's a pretty sappy, unrealistic ending, but what are you gonna do? I mean, she's a mermaid after all. You don't read a girly mermaid book without expecting some unrealistic sappy-ness.
I actually listened to this one and I highly recommend it. The narrator is convincing as a pre-teen, and she's got a wicked British accent. Or should I say "swishy?"
April 5, 2008
A fascinating book about a girl who discovers herself is a mermaid, and she explores the secrets of her life.
April 19, 2012
You know that book you read as child and randomly find at the library and think "can it possibly be as good as I remember?" Sometimes the answer is an unequivocal yes (see: anything by Beverly Clearly), other times a disheartening no (see: the Mandie series). Sometimes they're so bad you're a bit embarrassed to admit you read and loved them in the first place. The Tail of Emily Windsnap falls squarely in the latter category with the sad addition (in my case) of no residual adoration since I never read it as a child. As I read the book, I could see the appeal - I bet as a 7 or 8-year-old I would have loved this book. But harbor no illusions, this book is no good for adults. Poor character development and plot pacing coupled with choppy sentence construction made this a less-than-enjoyable (though fortunately short) read. So, ask yourself "am I an 8-year-old girl?" If the answer is yes, have at it! Otherwise, I recommend looking elsewhere for your kid lit fix.
April 29, 2016
Wowser. I stumbled upon this book at Barnes and Noble yesterday and have been quickly turning pages ever since. Hold on...another British author who writes youth fiction that is both fun AND intelligent? How have I missed these books by Liz Kessler? This, the first Emily Windsnap book, was published a decade ago.
While this book was written for children, it captivated this grown-up to the point of needing to know NOW. It is a rare book that delivers both suspense and satisfaction in this day and time when making a statement or being artistically significant seems to be more important to authors than entertainment. Don't get me wrong, this story delivers some important lessons, but not at the expense of the savory enchantment that fills its pages.
If you have reading girls in your life, they will love this book and be begging you for the sequels. If you have little girls who are not yet ready for chapter books, this would be a read aloud experience to cherish. If you have reluctant readers who need encouragement, this might just be the one that hooks them. "Hooks" is the perfect word for this book about the sea and life therein. I won't spoil the story be telling you more. Simply put: if the pieces of your life do not quite seem to fit, there might be more to the picture.
To my adult friends, if you love a good fairy tale, do yourself a favor and read this charming book. You might just find yourself huddled under the covers with a flashlight as you are once again transported by childhood fantasies that are still living deep within your grown-up facade. That's what happened to me.
While this book was written for children, it captivated this grown-up to the point of needing to know NOW. It is a rare book that delivers both suspense and satisfaction in this day and time when making a statement or being artistically significant seems to be more important to authors than entertainment. Don't get me wrong, this story delivers some important lessons, but not at the expense of the savory enchantment that fills its pages.
If you have reading girls in your life, they will love this book and be begging you for the sequels. If you have little girls who are not yet ready for chapter books, this would be a read aloud experience to cherish. If you have reluctant readers who need encouragement, this might just be the one that hooks them. "Hooks" is the perfect word for this book about the sea and life therein. I won't spoil the story be telling you more. Simply put: if the pieces of your life do not quite seem to fit, there might be more to the picture.
To my adult friends, if you love a good fairy tale, do yourself a favor and read this charming book. You might just find yourself huddled under the covers with a flashlight as you are once again transported by childhood fantasies that are still living deep within your grown-up facade. That's what happened to me.
May 17, 2020
I've read this book twice, and I still love it! Geared towards middle grade readers, it tells the story of a girl who discovers that she's half-human, half-mermaid, and her adventures that follow. It's a classic for me!!
January 26, 2024
*3.5*
this was pretty fun, and I was in the mood for a simple middle grade book and this did deliver on that! the mystery and sus things going on were interesting but the ending was too fast and solved wayyy too easily. overall it was a nice chill read.
this was pretty fun, and I was in the mood for a simple middle grade book and this did deliver on that! the mystery and sus things going on were interesting but the ending was too fast and solved wayyy too easily. overall it was a nice chill read.
May 16, 2018
A girl named Emily takes her first swimming lesson as a 7th grader and something weird is happening to her legs. How embarrassing! She fakes a cramp and takes a couple of days to regroup until it dawns on her that she can turn into a mermaid. But, no what?! Where is her father? Why doesn't her mother seem to like water at all -- yet she lives on a boat? Emily makes a new friend in a mermaid her own age and they start to look for answers.Middle grade students will read this book and learn about overcoming obstacles, blocking bullies and loving loyalty. Would make a fun read aloud.
September 20, 2015
I first read this book in 5th grade and ended up re-reading it and buying the box set in high school for the nostalgia. As a children's book I really loved it so much and it just fed my still on-going dream of being a mermaid.
July 15, 2020
I’m giving this one 5 stars because my 9 year old niece loves this book and the entire series. She read it last fall and we listened to the audio version together.
November 9, 2020
I read this to my daughter. She enjoyed it and I didn't find it too odious. It's great for little girls who love mermaids.
October 14, 2023
gets 4 stars purely for nostalgia, i was so obsessed with this as a kid
May 16, 2018
Have you ever wanted to be a mermaid? Well, this will be the perfect book for you. This book talks all about mermaids and a mermaid’s life. I personally really like mermaids and that is why I like this book. This follows the adventures of Emily Windsnap as she discovers she is a mermaid.
Emily Windsnap is the main character who does not know she is a mermaid. When she has her first swimming lesson, her legs stick together and feel weird, which makes her think something is happening. It turns out that everytime she gets into the water she gets a tail and fin. This leads her to discovery that she is a mermaid. The second main character is Emily’s mom who also does not know that Emily is a mermaid.
The genre of the book is fiction. It is fiction because it talks all about mermaids. I think that people who like fiction books and fantasy creatures would like this book. If you like mermaids then this would be a great book for you. If mermaids and mermen were real, then they would like this book as well. The purpose of the work is to get people to be more interested in mermaids if they are not already.
Without giving away the whole story I can say the main characters and main points. This will help you readers get your interest in mermaids.The text does definitely reach to the intended audience because it was made for all people. All people would like this book because it is not worded to easy or too hard for them to understand. It may be worded too easily for grown adults, but who does not like mermaids?
In conclusion, this book is a great book and I would give it five out of five stars. It is even a better book if you are interested in mermaids. One of the best parts of this book was when Emily had her first swimming class because this is when she realized something strange was going on. This is also how she figured out everytime she gets into water she becomes a mermaid. If you want to know more then you will have to read this book.
Emily Windsnap is the main character who does not know she is a mermaid. When she has her first swimming lesson, her legs stick together and feel weird, which makes her think something is happening. It turns out that everytime she gets into the water she gets a tail and fin. This leads her to discovery that she is a mermaid. The second main character is Emily’s mom who also does not know that Emily is a mermaid.
The genre of the book is fiction. It is fiction because it talks all about mermaids. I think that people who like fiction books and fantasy creatures would like this book. If you like mermaids then this would be a great book for you. If mermaids and mermen were real, then they would like this book as well. The purpose of the work is to get people to be more interested in mermaids if they are not already.
Without giving away the whole story I can say the main characters and main points. This will help you readers get your interest in mermaids.The text does definitely reach to the intended audience because it was made for all people. All people would like this book because it is not worded to easy or too hard for them to understand. It may be worded too easily for grown adults, but who does not like mermaids?
In conclusion, this book is a great book and I would give it five out of five stars. It is even a better book if you are interested in mermaids. One of the best parts of this book was when Emily had her first swimming class because this is when she realized something strange was going on. This is also how she figured out everytime she gets into water she becomes a mermaid. If you want to know more then you will have to read this book.
June 24, 2022
“O yüzden artık korkularımla yüzleşme vaktinin geldiğine karar verdim. Bazen elinizi, kolunuzu bağlayan ipleri çözüp ilerlemeniz gerekir.�
Annesiyle birlikte bir teknede yaşayan Emily, teknede yaşamasına rağmen 12 yaşına kadar denizden uzak kalmış. Yüzme dersleri alma konusundaki ısrarı nihayet sonuca ulaşıyor ve annesini ikna ederek derslere başlıyor. Fakat suya girdiği gibi hiç beklenmedik bir şey oluyor ve bir deniz kızına dönüşüyor. 🧜♀� Bunun nasıl olduğunu anlamaya çalışırken de aslında ailesi hakkında hiçbir şey bilmediği ortaya çıkıyor ve her şeyi öğrenmek için bir dizi maceraya atılıyor. Bizler de sırların peşine düşmüş Emily’nin neler yaşadığını okuyoruz.
Normalde çocuk kitabı okumuyorum aslında ama bu kitabın baskısı ve konusu o kadar tatlıydı ki bir şans vermek istedim. Verdiğim şansa da değdi bence, beklediğimden daha keyifliydi!
Emily’nin hikayesini anlatış şeklini sevdim. Başladığınız gibi akıp gidiyor. Özellikle daha genç okuyucular için bu çok önemli bir artı bence. Ayrıca verdiği mesajlar da çok güzeldi.💙
Emily’nin çıktığı kendini keşfetme yolculuğuna eşlik etmek, benim için de keyifli oldu. Yaşınız daha küçükse eminim sizin için çok daha keyifli olacaktır. Devamında Emily’yi neler bekliyor merak ediyorum açıkçası.🧜♀️✨
Annesiyle birlikte bir teknede yaşayan Emily, teknede yaşamasına rağmen 12 yaşına kadar denizden uzak kalmış. Yüzme dersleri alma konusundaki ısrarı nihayet sonuca ulaşıyor ve annesini ikna ederek derslere başlıyor. Fakat suya girdiği gibi hiç beklenmedik bir şey oluyor ve bir deniz kızına dönüşüyor. 🧜♀� Bunun nasıl olduğunu anlamaya çalışırken de aslında ailesi hakkında hiçbir şey bilmediği ortaya çıkıyor ve her şeyi öğrenmek için bir dizi maceraya atılıyor. Bizler de sırların peşine düşmüş Emily’nin neler yaşadığını okuyoruz.
Normalde çocuk kitabı okumuyorum aslında ama bu kitabın baskısı ve konusu o kadar tatlıydı ki bir şans vermek istedim. Verdiğim şansa da değdi bence, beklediğimden daha keyifliydi!
Emily’nin hikayesini anlatış şeklini sevdim. Başladığınız gibi akıp gidiyor. Özellikle daha genç okuyucular için bu çok önemli bir artı bence. Ayrıca verdiği mesajlar da çok güzeldi.💙
Emily’nin çıktığı kendini keşfetme yolculuğuna eşlik etmek, benim için de keyifli oldu. Yaşınız daha küçükse eminim sizin için çok daha keyifli olacaktır. Devamında Emily’yi neler bekliyor merak ediyorum açıkçası.🧜♀️✨
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May 30, 2023I won’t be rating this book because I read it for pure NOSTALGIA and I don’t want to analyze it. I just had fun! what a vibe, middle school katie knew how to pick her favorites.
July 25, 2024
banger
April 6, 2025
I was absolutely obsessed with this book growing up!
I’m happy I picked it up again after all this time. It’s just so nostalgic and sweet - I love it! :)
I’m happy I picked it up again after all this time. It’s just so nostalgic and sweet - I love it! :)
October 27, 2009
The Tail of Emily Windsnap is an enchanting story about a girl, Emily, who is part mermaid. She does not realize that she is different until she takes a swim class in seventh grade. When she gets into the water she grows a tail and becomes a mermaid. Emily tries to understand why she is like this as she swims through the ocean. Luckily she meets a good friend underwater, and starts to explore her past. Emily and her friend work together to solve her family mysteries while building their friendship, and trying to stay away from the evil dictator of the mer-world.
The adventures in the ocean are fun to read, and I think middle grade girls would love this book. Not only does the reader get to experience the fantasy world of mermaids, but the story is creative, and includes action and suspense. Emily learns that her father is in an underwater prison and helps him gain his freedom. She also discovers that her parents were breaking the law when they married because they were not both mermaids. The power of love and the quest for justice take over in this captivating novel making for an enjoyable read.
The adventures in the ocean are fun to read, and I think middle grade girls would love this book. Not only does the reader get to experience the fantasy world of mermaids, but the story is creative, and includes action and suspense. Emily learns that her father is in an underwater prison and helps him gain his freedom. She also discovers that her parents were breaking the law when they married because they were not both mermaids. The power of love and the quest for justice take over in this captivating novel making for an enjoyable read.
July 11, 2008
I think the book The tail of Emily Winsnap is a great book bacause it is iniersting and it is a book where a girl discovers she is a mirmade.Emily and her mom have been living on a boat her hole life.Her mom has never said a word about her father but she knows she will figer out something. One day when Emilys at a pool her legs start to cramp,and she feels as her legs come together forming a tail.She doges out of the pool and knew something strange happened.That night she sneaks away to the ocean finding out she is a mirmade.Will Emily be able to keep her secret? Read the book The Tail of Emily Winsnap!
June 16, 2018
***Rated by my daughter***
July 17, 2024
The Tail of Emily Windsnap is a story about a girl who, after years of begging to learn how to swim, finally gets her wish. But once she is in the water, something strange happens to her legs…is she really a mermaid?!
It’s a cute, fast-paced read perfect for young readers moving from early chapter books into middle grade fiction.
As an adult reader, I felt there was a LOT happening for a short 200ish page book—MC discovering she’s a mermaid, trying to navigate friendship and a bully, a mystery involving the MC’s father, navigating a world where love is criminal and there’s a formidable king, secretly exploring mermaid life, trying to convince the mom she’s wrong about quite a bit in life, dealing with someone who presents themselves as a family friend but isn’t really�.and it all get wraps up quickly and simply. I think younger readers will enjoy the happy ending but for myself it was just, “oh, okay� and a shrug off on how easy it all was 😂
The Tail of Emily Windsnap is a book I will keep on my shelves for my own daughter to read when she’s ready. You really can’t go wrong with mermaids and the whimsy that is to imagine you could be one!
It’s a cute, fast-paced read perfect for young readers moving from early chapter books into middle grade fiction.
As an adult reader, I felt there was a LOT happening for a short 200ish page book—MC discovering she’s a mermaid, trying to navigate friendship and a bully, a mystery involving the MC’s father, navigating a world where love is criminal and there’s a formidable king, secretly exploring mermaid life, trying to convince the mom she’s wrong about quite a bit in life, dealing with someone who presents themselves as a family friend but isn’t really�.and it all get wraps up quickly and simply. I think younger readers will enjoy the happy ending but for myself it was just, “oh, okay� and a shrug off on how easy it all was 😂
The Tail of Emily Windsnap is a book I will keep on my shelves for my own daughter to read when she’s ready. You really can’t go wrong with mermaids and the whimsy that is to imagine you could be one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
this was a good reminiscing moment to childhood. only comment is more actual mermaid and less thinking about mermaid.
this was a good reminiscing moment to childhood. only comment is more actual mermaid and less thinking about mermaid.
May 24, 2012
This seemed like a story someone would write if they were told they HAD to put out another book in a certain time frame, so they just picked a formula and threw it together. It had very little development behind it. And I didn't find the characters believable, which was too bad, because even a formulaic story (which, let's face it, stories are basically formulaic) can be saved if the characters are believable. So this was a disappointing first encounter with Liz Kessler books, which looked promising; but I'm reading Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister and so far it is much, much better.
February 3, 2019
Actual rating: 4.5
Oh my gosh, I forgot how much I loved this book! I think I was... 13(?) when I read this last? I'd planned on rereading and finishing the series at some point, but when I got approved for the 8th (8th!!) book in the series on Netgalley, the entire series got bumped to the very top of my TBR, haha. This book is filled with tabs - mostly talking about things I love. It was such a fun, quick read and I'm so excited to read the rest of the books this month!
Oh my gosh, I forgot how much I loved this book! I think I was... 13(?) when I read this last? I'd planned on rereading and finishing the series at some point, but when I got approved for the 8th (8th!!) book in the series on Netgalley, the entire series got bumped to the very top of my TBR, haha. This book is filled with tabs - mostly talking about things I love. It was such a fun, quick read and I'm so excited to read the rest of the books this month!
May 13, 2021
this was my favorite book in like third grade
January 7, 2023
I really loved reading this book. I can't wait to read more of these books. 👍👍
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