Title: Princesses and Mermaids: A Taryn and Kevin High Seas Adventure
Author: Terry Boucher
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media
ISBN: 978-1-64909-895-6
Pages: 53
Genre: Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Christa Hill
Pacific Book Review
The illustrations in the story are beautiful and very inclusive of persons of color, a great way to open the story. In regard to sequencing many of the illustrations proceed the descriptions and it would be nice to see the images post-character or place descriptions. The story hits the mark very well in appealing to a younger demographic. There is a good amount of adventure and discovery that leads to an engaging bedtime read.
Taryn’s misty-eyed wonder at the magic of travel helps promote the benefits of travel for young people. It is always nice to read about characters that grow through traveling and meeting people with new ideas and perspectives. Castles, mermaids, pirates, and princesses are a rip-roaring good time for children of all ages. The pacing throughout the story is quick and keeps the readers interacting with the characters from page 1 until the end. Terry Boucher does an excellent job of building anticipation. In one chapter we hear about the potential existence of mermaids and in the next we meet them.
The diversity which is shown in the illustrations is very refreshing, however the illustrations could benefit from additional characters of color. Since the writing doesn’t include phenotypically specific character motivations, it would be excellent to bring more culture and perspective into the world of the story.
Swashbuckling and romance are a beautiful combination in any young reader’s story and this story doesn’t fall short. The steampunk elements that marry technology and medieval fantasy are eloquently woven into the story without becoming frightening or overdone. It is clear to see from Boucher’s many responsible female characters that the author believes in the ingenuity of women and the power of working together.
This children’s story has something for everyone. From friendship to negative histories Boucher packs life lessons into less than 60 pages masterfully! If you are searching for a kids’ bedtime story or looking to broach complex topics with younger readers, I believe that Princesses and Mermaids would be a great place to start.
