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How to Kidnap a Mermaid
264 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2024
About the author
Andy Tolson
6 books13 followersAndy Tolson spent much of the 1980s as a drummer in London, England, playing both pubs and concert halls, though mostly pubs. He has been a boy magician, prop-maker, and writer. At The National Post and Maclean’s Magazine, Tolson was a photojournalist and editor. He now lives in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia in a big old house with his family and two cats named Olive and Ottoline. He is the author of the novel Noisemaker (2022), and the middle-grade fantasy series, The Quests of Tiny Wilde.
How to Kidnap a Mermaid (2024)
How to Rescue a Unicorn (2025)
How to Wrestle a Kraken (2026)
How to Kidnap a Mermaid (2024)
How to Rescue a Unicorn (2025)
How to Wrestle a Kraken (2026)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 16, 2024
This review was first published on July 26th at https://miramichireader.ca/
How to Kidnap a Mermaid by Andy Tolson is the first book in his middle-grade fantasy series; The Quests of Tiny Wilde, to be released by Nimbus Publishing in August.
“The quest is the actual path you’re on, one foot in front of the other toward the goal. The Hero’s Journey is your personal story within the quest.”
Like every giant in his twelfth year, Tiny Wilde’s growth spurt was due to start, but for now he could still pass as any freckle-face human boy. His Father is the Legendary Giant, Gregory Wilde, famous for his heroic and dangerous quests. His human mother, Sally Wilde, was a Journalist and Photographer for the local newspaper. She taught Tiny how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwiches. Tiny still misses her. Since human-sized houses are too small for giants, they live in an abandoned warehouse that used to be a Cookie Factory. The story begins on the full moon with a visit from a troll named Nooch, who after attacking Tiny and biting his ankle, tells him he is destined for a quest. He also tells him to “Beware of the fish that walks on land.”
“According to Mythic legend, the hero receives the prophecy from a troll, then gathers the allies and mentor for the quest.“
Nalia Souza, half mermaid, requests Tiny to meet her. She claims she is part of the resistance and knows how to regain their magic for all the Mythics. She is looking for an ally, someone to help her protect the “Ancient Creature” she has named Larry. She claims that she is on a quest to restore magic. But, he is on the quest. You can’t have two heroes, can you?
“Ally is just another name for a friend, but one you’re willing to fight for.”
How to Kidnap a Mermaid is set on an island in the town of Wonderville, the only place on Earth where mythical creatures live. It contains 46 short, fun, action-packed chapters where you meet several colourful creatures including Podge — a gnome and their mentor on their quest —, and a bunch of rebel gnomes who drive a dumpster with truck-sized wheels, an ancient game console, and random car parts, named Bessie. Tolson has created a remarkable fantastical world with the perfect balance of adventure, heroics, and mythics — with some life lessons thrown into the mix. I can’t wait to read more of Tiny’s quests and hero journeys.
“Courage isn’t the lack of fear, it’s the ability to act even though you’re scared out of your wits.”
How to Kidnap a Mermaid by Andy Tolson is the first book in his middle-grade fantasy series; The Quests of Tiny Wilde, to be released by Nimbus Publishing in August.
“The quest is the actual path you’re on, one foot in front of the other toward the goal. The Hero’s Journey is your personal story within the quest.”
Like every giant in his twelfth year, Tiny Wilde’s growth spurt was due to start, but for now he could still pass as any freckle-face human boy. His Father is the Legendary Giant, Gregory Wilde, famous for his heroic and dangerous quests. His human mother, Sally Wilde, was a Journalist and Photographer for the local newspaper. She taught Tiny how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwiches. Tiny still misses her. Since human-sized houses are too small for giants, they live in an abandoned warehouse that used to be a Cookie Factory. The story begins on the full moon with a visit from a troll named Nooch, who after attacking Tiny and biting his ankle, tells him he is destined for a quest. He also tells him to “Beware of the fish that walks on land.”
“According to Mythic legend, the hero receives the prophecy from a troll, then gathers the allies and mentor for the quest.“
Nalia Souza, half mermaid, requests Tiny to meet her. She claims she is part of the resistance and knows how to regain their magic for all the Mythics. She is looking for an ally, someone to help her protect the “Ancient Creature” she has named Larry. She claims that she is on a quest to restore magic. But, he is on the quest. You can’t have two heroes, can you?
“Ally is just another name for a friend, but one you’re willing to fight for.”
How to Kidnap a Mermaid is set on an island in the town of Wonderville, the only place on Earth where mythical creatures live. It contains 46 short, fun, action-packed chapters where you meet several colourful creatures including Podge — a gnome and their mentor on their quest —, and a bunch of rebel gnomes who drive a dumpster with truck-sized wheels, an ancient game console, and random car parts, named Bessie. Tolson has created a remarkable fantastical world with the perfect balance of adventure, heroics, and mythics — with some life lessons thrown into the mix. I can’t wait to read more of Tiny’s quests and hero journeys.
“Courage isn’t the lack of fear, it’s the ability to act even though you’re scared out of your wits.”
July 27, 2024
Wow, if you like a fun and fast-paced romp through an amazing world of mythical creatures you are in for a treat! This tale is a non-stop rollercoaster of adventure, with vibrant characters to root for and evil villains to despise. I'm not sure how he does it but the characters are vividly brought to life by the author in such a way that your mind is filled with their images. I loved how each of the characters experiences the tumultuous adventures in a different way, bringing their own unique knowledge and talents to the team, in order to thwart evil.
This mythical world is both completely fantastical and yet realistic to our modern times, with themes of diversity, love and heroism. I can't say more without spoiling it, but do yourself a favour and pick this up for your favourite kid mostly so you can enjoy it too!
This mythical world is both completely fantastical and yet realistic to our modern times, with themes of diversity, love and heroism. I can't say more without spoiling it, but do yourself a favour and pick this up for your favourite kid mostly so you can enjoy it too!
September 24, 2024
Totally immersed from start to finish. There is nothing like a well written quest. Andy Tolson has given his readers, young and old alike, a fast paced, character driven story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lots of twists keep the plot moving and a satisfying ending made this a great YA read for this adult.
Twelve year old Tiny Wilde is a giant who hasn’t yet had his growth spurt. He is the son of a heroic giant who is legendary in the field of questing. When Tiny’s Dad is kidnapped by villainous forces he, his mermaid friend Nalia and a cantankerous gnome named Podge set out on a dangerous adventure to rescue him and the extraordinary creature responsible for all Mythic magic.
Andy Tolson has populated this story with shape-shifters, attacking pixies, dragons, river and forest witches and a villain who make it easy to loathe. The young characters are relatable and their emotions perfectly written. He has managed to capture the pre-teenage emotions and angst. Usually not one for a lot of dialogue, I found the dialogue here engaging and of course necessary to drive the story.
The first in a trilogy, I look forward to books two and three.
Twelve year old Tiny Wilde is a giant who hasn’t yet had his growth spurt. He is the son of a heroic giant who is legendary in the field of questing. When Tiny’s Dad is kidnapped by villainous forces he, his mermaid friend Nalia and a cantankerous gnome named Podge set out on a dangerous adventure to rescue him and the extraordinary creature responsible for all Mythic magic.
Andy Tolson has populated this story with shape-shifters, attacking pixies, dragons, river and forest witches and a villain who make it easy to loathe. The young characters are relatable and their emotions perfectly written. He has managed to capture the pre-teenage emotions and angst. Usually not one for a lot of dialogue, I found the dialogue here engaging and of course necessary to drive the story.
The first in a trilogy, I look forward to books two and three.
July 8, 2024
Get ready for some top-notch world-building!
Jump into a fantasy adventure that is geared toward middle-grade readers. Delivering high-octane chases right along side sentimental life lessons, it might technically be for middle-grade readers but you’ll find your own inner middle-grader thrilled to devour this epic tale of the heroes journey. Yes, plural, as in more than one hero. Tolson has you dive into the world of Mythics and magic carefully building beloved characters and painting the scenes of their lives. He takes you along with Tiny and Nalia as their friends - gnomes, giants, pixies, witches, and more - come to the rescue of Wonderville and all the Mythics who call it home. There are underground rivers, exploding diaper bombs, laser tasers and even an amphibious dumpster tank! It’s a fast-paced easy read that leaves you wanting to know what happens next in their world.
Jump into a fantasy adventure that is geared toward middle-grade readers. Delivering high-octane chases right along side sentimental life lessons, it might technically be for middle-grade readers but you’ll find your own inner middle-grader thrilled to devour this epic tale of the heroes journey. Yes, plural, as in more than one hero. Tolson has you dive into the world of Mythics and magic carefully building beloved characters and painting the scenes of their lives. He takes you along with Tiny and Nalia as their friends - gnomes, giants, pixies, witches, and more - come to the rescue of Wonderville and all the Mythics who call it home. There are underground rivers, exploding diaper bombs, laser tasers and even an amphibious dumpster tank! It’s a fast-paced easy read that leaves you wanting to know what happens next in their world.
July 6, 2024
Kids are going to love this wild ride of a story. Tiny Wilde, a young giant who is still waiting for his growth spurt, is given a prophecy by a gnome. He’s going to be a hero! Things get sticky when Nalia, a childhood friend and Water Mythic, tells him she’s the hero & needs a sidekick. With a dubious gnome as their mentor, the two set off to save Magic. With fantastic fantasy characters (including a couple of biker gnomes who drive a dumpster tank), and page-turning thrills, plenty of villains, and loads of heroics, kids will be clamouring for the next book in the series. Excellent fun.
November 19, 2025
A fun book; Tiny and Nadia are on a quest to bring magic back to the Mythics; all the elements of a hood quest, with witches and dragons and other magical creatures.
January 20, 2025
Great story, kept my interest from page to page. Hard one to put down.
October 9, 2024
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4 stars
This was a very fun middle grade book that gave me a lot of Percy Jackson vibes! The writing is humorous and aware of what it's shooting for. Tolson really liked playing with the typical hero's journey. Also, there's a death that happens in this book, but I can't say I believe said death. The dead person better not be dead!
I think my biggest complaint is that it didn't really feel like Tiny ever developed. His character felt to me like it started and ended the same. There was also friction between him and Nalia that never truly felt resolved.
Aside from those bumps, I think it'd be a very fun series to take up if you like the vibes of Percy Jackson. I'm excited to see where this series goes!
4 stars
This was a very fun middle grade book that gave me a lot of Percy Jackson vibes! The writing is humorous and aware of what it's shooting for. Tolson really liked playing with the typical hero's journey. Also, there's a death that happens in this book, but I can't say I believe said death. The dead person better not be dead!
I think my biggest complaint is that it didn't really feel like Tiny ever developed. His character felt to me like it started and ended the same. There was also friction between him and Nalia that never truly felt resolved.
Aside from those bumps, I think it'd be a very fun series to take up if you like the vibes of Percy Jackson. I'm excited to see where this series goes!
October 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The plot felt so much like a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. My fantasy loving heart just ate all this up! I also loved how grilled cheese plays such a big role in this book. My favorite line was “We needed Obi-Wan and we had Obi-Was”. I rate this book a 5/5.
September 29, 2024
A fun book about quests and heroes. The author uses a unique way to invoke The Hero's Journey into the story. I found that delightful. Lots of stinky humour in the book, and by that I mean lots of stink. Stinkiest of stink diaper bombs, smelly and gooey sewers, garbage dumpsters, and other fun gunk. If my boy was still in middle grade, he would have loved it. The story has a surprisingly sweet ending which I absolutely loved.
March 14, 2026
"How to Kidnap a Mermaid" by Andy Tolson is a fun and imaginative fantasy novel about adventure, friendship, and courage. The story follows Tiny Wilde, a twelve-year-old giant who struggles to live up to his father’s heroic reputation. When his mermaid friend Nalia asks for his help on an important quest, Tiny sets out on a dangerous journey to restore magic to the world of mythical creatures. Along the way, Tiny and his companions encounter magical beings such as pixies, witches, and dragons. The adventure is full of challenges that test Tiny’s bravery and determination. Throughout the story, he begins to realize that being a hero is not just about strength, but also about loyalty, kindness, and perseverance.
One of the strengths of "How to Kidnap a Mermaid" is its creative world and humorous tone. The character development and the fast-paced plot keeps the reader engaged. Overall, it is an enjoyable fantasy novel that encourages readers to believe in themselves and the power of friendship.
One of the strengths of "How to Kidnap a Mermaid" is its creative world and humorous tone. The character development and the fast-paced plot keeps the reader engaged. Overall, it is an enjoyable fantasy novel that encourages readers to believe in themselves and the power of friendship.
July 24, 2024
Coming this August 2024!
A delight from the beginning, Tolson’s How to Kidnap a Mermaid will have readers of all ages captivated from the very first pages. In this grade-school adventure novel, Tiny, the pre-growth-spurt giant must complete his first quest to restore the magic to all mythical creatures by healing the one thing responsible for generating the magic before the evil mayor takes away their powers forever. This will take the combined efforts of Tiny, his mermaid friend, and an absent-minded, shape-shifting gnome to save the magic. Throw in some dragons, some pixies, and a couple of grilled-cheese sandwiches, and it’s the perfect recipe for a quest. How to Kidnap a Mermaid is such a fun read, is delightfully written, and will keep you routing for the hero – whomever it ends up being. A must read for all ages!
A delight from the beginning, Tolson’s How to Kidnap a Mermaid will have readers of all ages captivated from the very first pages. In this grade-school adventure novel, Tiny, the pre-growth-spurt giant must complete his first quest to restore the magic to all mythical creatures by healing the one thing responsible for generating the magic before the evil mayor takes away their powers forever. This will take the combined efforts of Tiny, his mermaid friend, and an absent-minded, shape-shifting gnome to save the magic. Throw in some dragons, some pixies, and a couple of grilled-cheese sandwiches, and it’s the perfect recipe for a quest. How to Kidnap a Mermaid is such a fun read, is delightfully written, and will keep you routing for the hero – whomever it ends up being. A must read for all ages!
June 14, 2026
A zany middle-grade adventure that reminded me of Captain Underpants books - which I don't remember reading, but I know my kids had them, so I must have picked one up at some point. The story is so fast-paced as to be exhausting, but fun. The premise is intriguing: magical creatures exist, but all live on one island with one town - and they are discriminated against and exploited. For example, mermaids have legs but wear fake tails to perform for tourists. The main character is also intriguing: a giant who has not yet had his growth spurt, and has the nickname tiny. He and companions of various sorts embark on a quest, with great self-awareness of what being on a hero's journey entails.
August 12, 2024
We were lucky enough to read an advance copy of Andy Tolson's How to Kidnap a Mermaid, and it quickly became our family's nightly read. The story is a delightful mix of stunning visuals, hilarious moments, and thrilling adventures featuring giants, gnomes, mermaids, and pixies. The contemporary and youthful language and references are spot-on, while the classic themes make it feel like an instant favourite. We especially loved the hidden nods to local landmarks, which added an extra layer of charm. This book would make a fantastic animated film—it’s that vivid and engaging!
November 19, 2024
A wonderful read for tweens and younger teens.
How to Kidnap a Mermaid is a fast-paced adventure written with wit and plenty of laughs, built on the premise of mythical creatures following their hero's journey in a world that's turned against them.
Highly recommended and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
How to Kidnap a Mermaid is a fast-paced adventure written with wit and plenty of laughs, built on the premise of mythical creatures following their hero's journey in a world that's turned against them.
Highly recommended and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
February 11, 2025
This book earned every star! It’s a fast-paced and epic tale that my family enjoyed reading together. The hero (heroes 😜) journey is one my children (and us parents) won’t forget!
August 13, 2025
A giant-sized, magical adventure about finding your inner hero.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews