Nicholas Pipe

by Robert D. San Souci, David Shannon (Illustrator)

A retelling of a twelfth-century tale in which a young woman falls in love with a merman and determines to marry him despite their separate worlds.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction, Folklore, Romance

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Robert Daniel San Souci (October 10, 1946 – December 19, 2014) was a multiple award-winning children's book author, who resided in San Francisco, California. He often worked with his brother, Daniel San Souci, a children's book illustrator. He was a consultant to Disney Studios and was instrumental in the production of the film Mulan, for which he wrote the story. He studied folklore in graduate school. He died after suffering a head injury while falling from a high height in San Francisco in December 2014. He was only 68 years old.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I found it one day in the easy section of my public library. I loved the illustration of the pearl and rose on the dust jacket so I borrowed it.

It is such a beautiful retelling of a 12th century story. I fell in love with the deep love of the girl for the merman and her absolute determination to get him back before it's too late.

I loved it so much I bought a copy of it for myself.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet a merman. Before discovering Nicholas Pipe through this book, I'd never met one before. If you're like me, you'll be so glad you did.

Thanks to a magic spell, when on land Nicholas walks on two legs. Beneath the waves, he swims effortlessly with his powerful fishtail.

But that magic spell can only help him so much. You see, Nicholas Pipe has fallen in love with Margaret. She's the human daughter of a very human fisherman.

Does he approve of their relationship? No way.

FIVE STARS for a beautifully illustrated fairy tale that will appeal to romantics.

[Rollins Jaggers]

Nicholas Pipe is a classic story of forbidden love. What is meant to be will always find a way though. Nicholas and Margaret endure despite the rejections from her father. Father is not okay with Margaret marrying a merman while she is a regular woman. Even after the family was rescued by Nicholas, it was not enough. After realizing his faults, father helps Margaret get Nicholas back. True love will find its way.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great love story and read like a fantasy novel in picture-book form. An interesting old-world fairytale feel--I liked how it was a merman instead of a mermaid too, and how both Margaret and Nicholas were active in the plot. I was totally engrossed! Probably best for mid to upper elementary and older.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book in my library for 20 years and finally read it today. It is a fantastic folktale filled with stunning illustrations. A different take on the usual mermaid story. Recommended for grades 2 & up.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, original and interesting story, and a lady that is capable of taking care of things herself. Really nice fairy tale. And it's illustrated by David Shannon so it's cool to see a different side of his artistic talent.

[Tiffany Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great

[Kimber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and magical little fable with beautiful art work.

[Adam Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book about people from different worlds coming together.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely! It’s impressive how much backstory, how much conflict, and resolution, and feeling can be packed into one short fairy tale picture book. I enjoyed this.

[Emily Reaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicholas Pipe is a cute and suspenseful story set in a small village, following the character of Nicholas, a young boy who has a secret. This is a good for introducing young students into folktales.

[Bonnie (A Backwards Story)]

NICHOLAS PIPE is a beautiful picture book about a merman, which is unique in and of itself. David Shannon's illustrations are spectacular. The book has a darker, more sophisticated flare and may not appeal to the youngest of children. It's more reminiscent of another picture book Shannon illustrated, THE ROUGH-FACED GIRL by Rafe Martin, another favorite of mine.

The story centers around Nicholas Pipe, who is able to walk on land with two legs. He falls in love with a human, who is forbidden to associate with him, and willing to bear extreme hardship in order to be with his beloved against all odds.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT mer-MAN tale. W/the fabulous David Shannon as the illustrator. I picked this book up in a remainder box at my local Ralphs grocery store years ago and it's been a fave of mine for years (the kids tolerate it, just ok, being boys they're not into love stories).

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book to be fairly . . . blah. The illustrations at times looked disturbing, and the text, at its best, was to trite to make this picture book stand out.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of creepy and cool at the same time.

[Teresa Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful children's book. I was happy when I added it to my collection. If you love mermaids/mermen, I can highly recommend it.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting tale but the thing I liked the best was the beautiful illustrations!

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good original tale. Average pictures.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

terrific story by San Souci and beautiful art by Shannon!

[Vanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this I wish it could have been longer.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this illustrator!