A Natural History of Mermaids

Written by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Jessica Roux

First of all, this beautiful book is wonderfully presented and reminds you how exciting it is to hold actual books in your hand! This cloth-bound book feels amazing and its rainbow holographic sides add a touch of luxury. Silver accents adorn the cover and a ribbon bookmark holds your place securely.

All about the journey...

This book takes you on an adventure across the oceans of the world, back in 1872 when there was a belief that ‘having a woman on board is bad luck’.

And so begins the tale of Darcy Delamare, who transforms into Daniel Dawson, ready to depart from Portsmouth, England (just down the road!).

The mission of their journey? A scientific voyage to study, sample and document the oceans and the creatures within.

However, Darcy’s secret mission is to study merfolk! While she sets sail and heads out into the unknown, she writes a history of mermaids as well as tales of folk and lore which could just be based on fact! She documents previous mermaid sightings from around the world and applies her scientific knowledge to the creatures she hopes to find. A few months into her journey, she makes a discovery in Bermuda.

Gorgeous Illustrations by Jessica Roux

Facts and Fiction

The book blends fact and fiction and mixes scientific information for underwater creatures, which could just apply to mermaids and mermen.

Through Darcy’s research, we learn about merfolk habitats, their life cycles and their food. Everything is beautifully illustrated to help us understand and visualise these amazing creatures. My favourite observation has to be the ‘Mermaid Identification’ on pages 16-17 with all the gorgeous flukes (tails).

The Story Continues

The story continues as Darcy travels around the world and highlights challenges she comes up against, including her worries about being found to be hiding her true identity, whether anyone will believe her research and her amazement at discovering more species.

My Review

The attention to detail in the writing and the illustrations are just fantastic. The reader is taken on a breathtaking journey around the (mermaid) world.

Whilst I read this cover to cover, you absolutely do not have to, as each set of pages has interesting facts, details and illustrations in their own right.

A Gift

I was gifted this book by the Publishers, however, all opinions are my own. This is absolutely a book that I would purchase and would be perfect for any book enthusiast, especially any mermaid fanatics! Attention really has gone into the detail and it would make a perfect Christmas or Birthday present.

Ideal Ages

Aged 6+ to share together/look at the pictures

Aged 8+ to enjoy it more independently

I loved this book as an adult and it’s been added to some of my favourite kid's ‘coffee table’ books, such as Pirateology, Egyptology, The Ronald Dahl Treasury and Beatrix Potter A journal. These are books that I’ve collected over the years before I had children!

Just to add a note: all the mermaids are appropriately dressed/clothed/posed which is in keeping with the 'scientific' aspect of the book.

About Anna

Anna is a primary school teacher, with experience in special educational needs, specialising in behaviour management. She has a Master of Education, a PGCE and a Law degree as well as being a mermaid!

A Natural History of Mermaids - A book review!