What do you think?
Rate this book
The Glass Mermaid
What's happening to Becca's mermaid? Becca couldn't wait to see her Christmas presents. Exactly at midnight on Christmas Eve, she stole downstairs - but suddenly stopped at the foot of the staircase. Something was moving on one side of the tree. And her favorite ornament, her glass mermaid, was swaying in a ghostly light. Becca's mermaid was going to come alive. And Becca was about to have the greatest adventure of her life.
79 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1986
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 5, 2020
I read this book over and over again as a child! I still own it!
August 8, 2012
Loved this book as a child!
January 4, 2023
I remember owning this book as a kid but at some point my copy disappeared. I couldn't remember if it was any good or not, so I've just watched for it for cheap. Now that I've re-read it, I wonder if I got rid of it on purpose and just forgot.
The book is written for beginner chapter book readers, as the story is told in a simple way and the main character is simple as well. The stakes are fairly high, in that the main character is in danger of being stuck in another world for a year, plus she has to face three challenges in order to help a friend.
However, even though the main girl, Becca, is told over and over how cunning the sorceress is, she almost falls for her tricks immediately with the first trial and then almost does so again in the second. It just felt super boring and Becca seemed like an idiot. I know this is aimed at a young audience and Becca is young herself, but with the first trick in particular, there's no sense of being torn about getting back home or anything.
I never cared about any of the characters and it was just boring. I don't think I even cared for it much as a kid, though I don't recall. I really only kept it because it was a gift and I liked the title of the book. The idea is interesting, too, but the way the story was told just doesn't do it for me. Maybe it's just because it's too simple, which I can't really fault the book for, considering the target age it was going for, but now I know for sure I don't want to keep this book.
A final note, I do like that there illustrations, but I'm not a big fan of the style. They're highly detailed yet somehow still kind of unclear. There's just too much shading going on and they can feel a little too zoomed in. It works on the cover with color, but the black and white images just have too much going on.
The book is written for beginner chapter book readers, as the story is told in a simple way and the main character is simple as well. The stakes are fairly high, in that the main character is in danger of being stuck in another world for a year, plus she has to face three challenges in order to help a friend.
However, even though the main girl, Becca, is told over and over how cunning the sorceress is, she almost falls for her tricks immediately with the first trial and then almost does so again in the second. It just felt super boring and Becca seemed like an idiot. I know this is aimed at a young audience and Becca is young herself, but with the first trick in particular, there's no sense of being torn about getting back home or anything.
I never cared about any of the characters and it was just boring. I don't think I even cared for it much as a kid, though I don't recall. I really only kept it because it was a gift and I liked the title of the book. The idea is interesting, too, but the way the story was told just doesn't do it for me. Maybe it's just because it's too simple, which I can't really fault the book for, considering the target age it was going for, but now I know for sure I don't want to keep this book.
A final note, I do like that there illustrations, but I'm not a big fan of the style. They're highly detailed yet somehow still kind of unclear. There's just too much shading going on and they can feel a little too zoomed in. It works on the cover with color, but the black and white images just have too much going on.
December 17, 2014
Rebecca Ladimer, or Becca, lives with her mother and year-older sister Adelle in the same house where her grandfather Alfred had lived as a little boy. Adelle is a very graceful dancer, and Becca is a little jealous of her. It is Christmas Eve, and Becca’s favorite ornament, given to her by her grandfather, is a glass mermaid whom she calls Lady Mer. Becca wakes up at midnight and goes down to see the presents under the tree. She finds two little people about six inches tall, a boy named Jingle and a woman named Sander, taking Lady Mer to their home in Seatown to be a companion for their mermaid Sealily. How does one get to Seatown? Through a tiny door in the trunk of the Christmas tree! And when Becca touches the doorknob, she becomes little too.
However, before the three can get Lady Mer, who is now alive, to Seatown, they must pass the home of an evil sorceress known as The Captain who tries to stop them because she wants to keep the mermaid for herself and also to make Becca stay as her apprentice sorceress. They have one hour to take Lady Mer to Seatown or she will die and Becca will have to stay. Will they make it in time? And will Becca ever be able to get home? There are some in my acquaintance who do not like stories about Christmas and others who do not like stories about sorcery or magic of any kind, so people in both categories would want to avoid this book. But for those who do not share these objections, The Glass Mermaid is a cute, though fast-paced, holiday story, especially for young girls. And as a result of her adventures, Becca learns the important lesson that she is as special as Adelle, only in a different way.
However, before the three can get Lady Mer, who is now alive, to Seatown, they must pass the home of an evil sorceress known as The Captain who tries to stop them because she wants to keep the mermaid for herself and also to make Becca stay as her apprentice sorceress. They have one hour to take Lady Mer to Seatown or she will die and Becca will have to stay. Will they make it in time? And will Becca ever be able to get home? There are some in my acquaintance who do not like stories about Christmas and others who do not like stories about sorcery or magic of any kind, so people in both categories would want to avoid this book. But for those who do not share these objections, The Glass Mermaid is a cute, though fast-paced, holiday story, especially for young girls. And as a result of her adventures, Becca learns the important lesson that she is as special as Adelle, only in a different way.
May 22, 2013
CHRISTMAS EVE ODYSSEY--THROUGH A DOOR IN THE TREE
On Christmas Eve young Becca discovers tiny people climbing on her tree, trying to carry off her favorite ornament--a glass mermaid. She agrees to shrink to their size and join them in their quest to save the mermaid of Seatown. They all disappear down a hidden door in the tree trunk. Becca, Sander and Jingle race against time to rescue both mermaids from the evil schemes of the Captain--a sorceress who terrorizes Seatown.
Becca has always been jealous of her older, graceful sister, but on this magic night she discovers that she has value and talents in her own right--she needs to be brave and strong to help her miniature friends. When her task is accomplished, she realizes that she truly belongs in her real family after all; she is NOT second best or a failure. A light read which elementary girls will enjoy. (Could introduce a class discussion of sibling rivalry and how we view ourselves.)
(May 19, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
On Christmas Eve young Becca discovers tiny people climbing on her tree, trying to carry off her favorite ornament--a glass mermaid. She agrees to shrink to their size and join them in their quest to save the mermaid of Seatown. They all disappear down a hidden door in the tree trunk. Becca, Sander and Jingle race against time to rescue both mermaids from the evil schemes of the Captain--a sorceress who terrorizes Seatown.
Becca has always been jealous of her older, graceful sister, but on this magic night she discovers that she has value and talents in her own right--she needs to be brave and strong to help her miniature friends. When her task is accomplished, she realizes that she truly belongs in her real family after all; she is NOT second best or a failure. A light read which elementary girls will enjoy. (Could introduce a class discussion of sibling rivalry and how we view ourselves.)
(May 19, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
July 19, 2020
While I remember this fondly, (how could I not, it's about a glass mermaid coming to life! Reminded me of that Mannequin Movie/TV Series but that's a whole 'nother conversation) it does strike me as very weird upon a re-read as an adult.
So we have a child with an inferiority complex due to her talented dancer older sister which plays out throughout the entire story until the very end. She has a red and gold mermaid which doesn't change color upon being granted life. There are fairies/elves/I don't even know who come and go on Christmas Eve through a door in the Christmas tree (limited time open, folks!) so either the tree is artificial or I guess... it doesn't matter the tree is replaced yearly? Said fairies/elves are little better than marauding pirates however as they enter the home with the express purpose of stealing said family heirloom for the (admittedly goodly) purpose of presenting a new friend to their own local mermaid. Our little miss is a benevolent soul however so she goes along with it (mostly she's delighted that the mermaid is brought to life). Our antagonist is a sorceress on a pirate ship who is looking for a successor... And yes, this all takes places around Christmas Eve/Day.
Anyway I enjoyed this as a child. As an adult... a bit bewildered by some of the details but hey, I'm not the target audience anymore (though I still love mermaids).
So we have a child with an inferiority complex due to her talented dancer older sister which plays out throughout the entire story until the very end. She has a red and gold mermaid which doesn't change color upon being granted life. There are fairies/elves/I don't even know who come and go on Christmas Eve through a door in the Christmas tree (limited time open, folks!) so either the tree is artificial or I guess... it doesn't matter the tree is replaced yearly? Said fairies/elves are little better than marauding pirates however as they enter the home with the express purpose of stealing said family heirloom for the (admittedly goodly) purpose of presenting a new friend to their own local mermaid. Our little miss is a benevolent soul however so she goes along with it (mostly she's delighted that the mermaid is brought to life). Our antagonist is a sorceress on a pirate ship who is looking for a successor... And yes, this all takes places around Christmas Eve/Day.
Anyway I enjoyed this as a child. As an adult... a bit bewildered by some of the details but hey, I'm not the target audience anymore (though I still love mermaids).
May 1, 2020
This book is wild.
First, Becca decides to go have a peak at the presents under the Christmas tree, and she puts shoes on (???) To go from her bedroom to the lounge room?
Then the little guy wants the mermaid ornament from her tree because the mermaid from his world is dying of loneliness (???) So they ask the sorcerees to make her real, because even though she's evil, she's also willing to do favours? What did I just read?
(Let's not even start on the whole "everyone in this world's name is what they do" situation.)
First, Becca decides to go have a peak at the presents under the Christmas tree, and she puts shoes on (???) To go from her bedroom to the lounge room?
Then the little guy wants the mermaid ornament from her tree because the mermaid from his world is dying of loneliness (???) So they ask the sorcerees to make her real, because even though she's evil, she's also willing to do favours? What did I just read?
(Let's not even start on the whole "everyone in this world's name is what they do" situation.)
December 31, 2019
I read this book back in like 1986, but it's one of the book that's stuck with my from my childhood. Now I'd find the writing simplistic, of course, but that doesn't take away from the magic I experienced as a kid.
April 16, 2020
A great read about a young girl going on an adventure to find out the has special skills too.
I can’t wait to pass this scholastic read to a young one I know (when she is old enough.)
A Book to read around Christmas time too!! Maybe pair it with a mermaid ornament.
I can’t wait to pass this scholastic read to a young one I know (when she is old enough.)
A Book to read around Christmas time too!! Maybe pair it with a mermaid ornament.
December 29, 2023
I remember loving this book as a kid and read it frequently each Christmas. Thought it would be fun to revisit and reread it this year.
I have no idea what I loved about this book all those years ago 🤣
I have no idea what I loved about this book all those years ago 🤣
Read
December 24, 2020I loved this book so much as a child
November 8, 2021
Where was this book all my life? I would have loved it as an eight year old! Mermaids and Christmas combined with an adventure? Right up my alley as a youngster!!
Read
February 7, 2024This was the first book I ever remember reading
Read
September 25, 2025Needed to add this because this book made me fall in love with reading as a small girl.
June 1, 2011
Kids' books like these remind me of old Superman cartoons from the 50s: you happen into a problem, the adventure proceeds, and the story's over as soon as everything is righted. There's no ramp-up or denouement--and for this, that's okay. This book even manages to sneak in a lesson about appreciating the gifts you have without being heavy-handed about it. The characters are lively, the adventures quick without being overly simplistic, and even the villain has depth. The illustrations are a little freaky, but all in all, a real gem of a children's book, sort of like a more active Nutcracker without the music.
August 9, 2012
Another book I read as a child. Around 3rd, 4th grade, I discovered my school had book sales and bake sales, so I saved up my money and started buying books and reading them. Not sure if this is one of the books I bought or one of the books my legal guardians bought me.
I love this book...every 3rd/4th grader and up would enjoy this book.
Another book I wanna buy and add to my collection (for my future child)ren)).
I love this book...every 3rd/4th grader and up would enjoy this book.
Another book I wanna buy and add to my collection (for my future child)ren)).
May 19, 2009
One of my favorite books since I was a child. I would check this book out of my elementary school library almost every week!
December 15, 2012
Childhood favorite for Christmas:) I think I still have it somewhere....
June 5, 2016
Read this book over and over again when I was young. Loved the story!
July 4, 2016
a nice story for kids I liked it
June 5, 2017
Short little sweet book I loved as a kid.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews