Mermaids Most Amazing

by Narelle Oliver

"For as long as anyone can remember, mermaids have swum through our stories and splashed through our dreams. . . . " Where did these mythical creatures come from? What if they were real?
Mermaids Most Amazing provides a comprehensive introduction to these beloved creatures, rendered in beautifully evocative, folk art-style collages and illustrations. You'll meet the fish-tailed goddesses of ancient Polynesia; crafty water sprites of the Pacific Northwest; fake mermaids from British carnivals of the 1800s; and the dugong, whose human-like features and behavior have been mistaken for mermaids by sailors throughout the ages.
Including several legends perfect for reading aloud, as well as maps of the mermaid world, Mermaids Most Amazing is a must-read for mermaid fans of all ages. Who knows what strange (and real) creatures you just might find?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 17, 2005

About the author

Narelle Oliver (1960 - 2016) was an Australian artist, print maker and award-winning children's author-illustrator.

Narelle Oliver was born on 25 February 1960 and grew up in Toowoomba in south east Queensland.

Oliver majored in design and printmaking while studying for a Bachelor of Education degree. She began her career teaching at the Queensland School for the Deaf.

Oliver was an educator and a committed environmentalist. As an illustrator, Oliver combined linocut, watercolour, pastels, collage and digitally-enhanced photographs in her work. She used many environmental themes drawing on the flora and fauna of Australia.

Oliver's first book, Leaf Tail, was published in 1989.

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining enough!

[Jean Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where did myths of mermaids come from? Are they real? Someone has to answer these questions. Narelle Oliver does a wonderful job explaining how myths of mermaids appear in cultures throughout the world. She shares legends, sightings, and historical stories of fake mermaids that are fascinating for mermaid fans of all ages.

[Jessica Marcum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informational: This was kind of a fun informational text. It was about different cultures and countries who had tales of mermaids. It explained where these tales would have come from and what animals they might have mistaken for mermaids. It was a fun read!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations, not sure about the info dump at the beginning of the book, especially when some of that information is repeated in the tales. Enjoyed the reports of mermaid sightings and historical perspective of the legends.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thorough examination of the concept of mermaids... Through science, mythology, literature, and art.
Good fit with Kelly Milner Hall titles about cryptids and other weirdness.