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Русальний місяць
Меррін — русалка, а Моллі — дівчинка, яка живе на березі. Вони найкращі подруги, але ніколи не можуть відвідати одна одну… допоки не настає Русальний місяць — єдина ніч у році, коли русалки можуть полишити море й літати над землею!
Цього разу Меррін нарешті приєднується до свята, і разом з Моллі вони переживають незабутню пригоду: веселощі, морозиво, гойдалки в саду…Але коли місяць починає ховатися за обрій, виникає небезпека: якщо Меррін не встигне повернутися додому вчасно, магія зникне назавжди!
«Русальний місяць» — чарівна історія Брайоні Мей Сміт про справжню дружбу, магію й особливу ніч, коли море й суша зближуються.
Цього разу Меррін нарешті приєднується до свята, і разом з Моллі вони переживають незабутню пригоду: веселощі, морозиво, гойдалки в саду…Але коли місяць починає ховатися за обрій, виникає небезпека: якщо Меррін не встигне повернутися додому вчасно, магія зникне назавжди!
«Русальний місяць» — чарівна історія Брайоні Мей Сміт про справжню дружбу, магію й особливу ніч, коли море й суша зближуються.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 22, 2025
This was awfully beautiful. Not as interesting as some, but the idea is so cute!
The Mermaid Moon by Briony May Smith is a beautiful story about two young souls, two best friends whom happen to be a mermaid and a human.
This is a great book about friendship and not only that, but the art is simply stunning and honestly I'd buy it just for the illustrations alone. They're very well done and the cover doesn't do it justice at all. I just want some of them for my phone backgrounds, they're that lovely.
Plot wise, there isn't a great deal, but that's okay because this is for kids and they don't have to be serious. Two friends that join a festival where the mermaid friend can visit the upper world, sea creatures being able to fly! It's a pretty magical plot, at least in the eyes of a child. It is charming.
Did I mention the beautiful images? Lmao 🤣 Beautiful. Okay I'm definitely in it for the magical art which is done by the author herself.
The tone of the book is playful and sad all at once, reminding us that even good things end, but there's always the future to look forward to if you can be patient.
I wish that my wife would read more stories like this as she struggles with dealing with life and the world around her whereas I let things go and use action with less talk so change is easier for me even though it makes me wildly uncomfortable. I bet that having to wait a whole year to play with my best friend orooerly wouod be uncomfortable but I would take solace in the fact that we could spend time together at the ocean. That would be a lovely friendship.
When there are differences between people there has to be compromise, understanding and patience, and I think that's a real life situation we all need to face more often.
Anyway, this is a beautiful book that would be a handsome edition to any library whether it's a home one or a public or school library. It's well worth the read and your children will love it.
The Mermaid Moon by Briony May Smith is a beautiful story about two young souls, two best friends whom happen to be a mermaid and a human.
This is a great book about friendship and not only that, but the art is simply stunning and honestly I'd buy it just for the illustrations alone. They're very well done and the cover doesn't do it justice at all. I just want some of them for my phone backgrounds, they're that lovely.
Plot wise, there isn't a great deal, but that's okay because this is for kids and they don't have to be serious. Two friends that join a festival where the mermaid friend can visit the upper world, sea creatures being able to fly! It's a pretty magical plot, at least in the eyes of a child. It is charming.
Did I mention the beautiful images? Lmao 🤣 Beautiful. Okay I'm definitely in it for the magical art which is done by the author herself.
The tone of the book is playful and sad all at once, reminding us that even good things end, but there's always the future to look forward to if you can be patient.
I wish that my wife would read more stories like this as she struggles with dealing with life and the world around her whereas I let things go and use action with less talk so change is easier for me even though it makes me wildly uncomfortable. I bet that having to wait a whole year to play with my best friend orooerly wouod be uncomfortable but I would take solace in the fact that we could spend time together at the ocean. That would be a lovely friendship.
When there are differences between people there has to be compromise, understanding and patience, and I think that's a real life situation we all need to face more often.
Anyway, this is a beautiful book that would be a handsome edition to any library whether it's a home one or a public or school library. It's well worth the read and your children will love it.
November 6, 2022
I read
Margaret's Unicorn
a couple of years ago and thought it was absolutely charming. Briony May Smith is back with another magical tale, this time about two little girls—one human and one mermaid—who share a magical evening together on a very special night of the year.
The stakes are high. (Merrin's mother tells her that if she doesn't make it home to the sea in time, all the magic will be lost. No pressure.) But of course the girls manage to figure out a way to preserve the magic.
The illustrations are really cute. Since much of the story takes place at night, lighting casts a dreamy effect over the pictures.
This is another winner from Smith. It's sure to be a hit with mermaid lovers, as well as with those looking for sweet picture-book stories about friendship.
The stakes are high. (Merrin's mother tells her that if she doesn't make it home to the sea in time, all the magic will be lost. No pressure.) But of course the girls manage to figure out a way to preserve the magic.
The illustrations are really cute. Since much of the story takes place at night, lighting casts a dreamy effect over the pictures.
This is another winner from Smith. It's sure to be a hit with mermaid lovers, as well as with those looking for sweet picture-book stories about friendship.
September 25, 2025
I love the concept of this book, where there is one night a year (The Mermaid Moon) where mermaids can leave the sea, and so a young girl who is friends with a mermaid agree to meet up on that day. The story is pretty cute, but the art stands out the most.
Mark my words, Briony May Smith has a Caldecott in her future--her illustrations are fantastical and yet vividly real at the same time. The static images seem to move and float! She also is quite good at employing these peekaboo kind of "camera" angles in her illustrations that make you feel like you are getting a privileged glance into this amazing friendship. It's all very hard to explain for someone who knows nothing about art, but suffice it to say, it works!
If your kids likes movies like Luca, Little Mermaid, Ponyo--they will enjoy "Mermaid Moon".
Mark my words, Briony May Smith has a Caldecott in her future--her illustrations are fantastical and yet vividly real at the same time. The static images seem to move and float! She also is quite good at employing these peekaboo kind of "camera" angles in her illustrations that make you feel like you are getting a privileged glance into this amazing friendship. It's all very hard to explain for someone who knows nothing about art, but suffice it to say, it works!
If your kids likes movies like Luca, Little Mermaid, Ponyo--they will enjoy "Mermaid Moon".
February 25, 2023
Molly is a human. Merrin is a mermaid. They are the best of friends, but Merrin can only come on land during the famed Mermaid Moon. Can they take in all of the sites of the human world and get Merrin back home before dawn? What happens if they can't?
A cute read for fans of mermaids, the LUCA film, or appreciation of magic and whimsy!
Enjoy this fun picture book written and illustrated by Briony May Smith.
A cute read for fans of mermaids, the LUCA film, or appreciation of magic and whimsy!
Enjoy this fun picture book written and illustrated by Briony May Smith.
April 24, 2023
tellement mignon, une histoire d'amitié, de différences et de nouvelles découvertes.
December 15, 2023
Saw this in a bookstore the other day and instantly recognized it as the author of Margaret’s Unicorn (which I loved reading to my daughter a couple years ago). This one is a very magical tale with such interesting concepts and beautiful artwork! Wish the mermaids had been drawn differently and then it would be absolutely perfect! Very creative and atmospheric!
December 12, 2022
Oh man, this was a little like Luca x Little Mermaid mashup. It's a cute story of friendship with a little intensity as the conflict comes to a head. This would be a delight for any child who loves mermaids.
March 2, 2023
Une magnifique histoire d'amitié remplie de magie entre une petite fille terrestre et une sirène. Les illustrations sont magnifiques, c'est doux, et ça nous transporte dans une belle aventure. Un bel hybride entre la petite sirène et le film d'animation Luca 👀✨ Ça sort bientôt en français!
August 22, 2024
Ein wunderschönes Bilderbuch über Freundschaft, dass ich besonders Leuten, die das Meer lieben, ans Herz legen möchte. Leseempfehlung!
January 2, 2026
100% polecajki dla każdej fanki syrenek oraz dla każdego, kto chce przekazać dziecku sensowne treści przez książki.
June 24, 2023
C'est mon filleul de 7 ans qui, lors d'une sortie en bibliothèque, a attiré mon attention sur ce bel album jeunesse. "Marraine, celui-ci il est trop beau, je l'ai déjà lu, ça va te plaire ! Tu le prends ?!". Il l'a feuilleté devant moi, me montrant les images et me racontant le gros de l'histoire.... Mais ce n'était pas nécessaire, il m'avait convaincue dès que j'ai vu la couverture. Et il me connaît bien ce petit bonhomme : j'ai été charmée par cette histoire toute mignonne et ces jolies illustrations. C'est une belle amitié qui uni une petite fille et une sirène, ça fait rêver ! Bref, j'ai passé un moment magique avec Zoé et Océane, certaines images m'ont mis des étoiles dans les yeux ! Parfaite petite lecture par ces temps chaud, ces deux petites filles vont charmer petits et grands lecteurs !
January 6, 2023
I love everything this author/illustrator creates! Her books really capture the setting, and from my time in the UK it brings all the memories back. Also the main character's name was Molly...so I especially liked it. I loved the concept of a magical night where mermaids and ocean creatures get to swim/fly through the air once a year. The story was a bit on the longer side with more plot details so probably mid-elementary readers will enjoy it most.
April 18, 2023
Every mermaid book I hope will be the next great have-to-read mermaid book out there (though not sure that it really matters because a mermaid book is a mermaid book and it will get read by the enthusiasts). This was not the book I was hoping for as it was a bit long and predictable though still sweet.
May 9, 2023
Une histoire adorable et magique. Elle plaira aux fans de la petite sirène 🥰
January 12, 2024
A little human girl named Molly, living in the fishing village of Merporth, and a young mermaid named Merrin, living in the harbor at the foot of the village, are best friends in this magical picture book from British author/illustrator Briony May Smith. Although not able to fully inhabit one another's worlds, they meet where the two join, having many adventures above and below the water. Then one night, when the power of the Mermaid Moon is supreme, Merrin is able to leave the ocean, and pay a floating visit to her land-bound friends. But after a wonderful, fun-filled time, Merrin and Molly become stuck in a tree, putting everything in danger. For if Merrin does not return to the sea before the reflection of the moon on the water disappears, her scales will dry out, and magic will disappear from the cove forever...
Having absolutely loved Briony May Smith's Margaret's Unicorn , an earlier picture book about a little girl and the magical creature she befriends, I was very excited to track down The Mermaid Moon. I was not at all disappointed, finding the story both heartwarming and enchanting, and enjoying the lovely, expressive artwork immensely! I really appreciate the way in which Smith tells stories about little girls and their magical adventures, setting her tales in contemporary environments, but also populating them with mythical creatures and beings that feel timeless (or out of time). Whereas the earlier book about Margaret presented a fantastical variant on the classic story of not being able to keep a wild creature (however beloved) as a companion, here we have a magical version of an inter-community friendship story. It's both reassuring and heartwarming that, despite the fact that they hail from different elements, Molly and Merrin find a way to come together. The accompanying mixed media artwork captures the beauty of both girls' worlds, but I think it is the underwater scenes that truly shine. The depictions of Merrin's mermaid cave are just gorgeous, and I particularly loved the play of light and shadow on the faces of the little mermaid and her mother. Recommended to young mermaid lovers, and to any picture book readers looking for magical stories with a contemporary "realistic" setting.
Having absolutely loved Briony May Smith's Margaret's Unicorn , an earlier picture book about a little girl and the magical creature she befriends, I was very excited to track down The Mermaid Moon. I was not at all disappointed, finding the story both heartwarming and enchanting, and enjoying the lovely, expressive artwork immensely! I really appreciate the way in which Smith tells stories about little girls and their magical adventures, setting her tales in contemporary environments, but also populating them with mythical creatures and beings that feel timeless (or out of time). Whereas the earlier book about Margaret presented a fantastical variant on the classic story of not being able to keep a wild creature (however beloved) as a companion, here we have a magical version of an inter-community friendship story. It's both reassuring and heartwarming that, despite the fact that they hail from different elements, Molly and Merrin find a way to come together. The accompanying mixed media artwork captures the beauty of both girls' worlds, but I think it is the underwater scenes that truly shine. The depictions of Merrin's mermaid cave are just gorgeous, and I particularly loved the play of light and shadow on the faces of the little mermaid and her mother. Recommended to young mermaid lovers, and to any picture book readers looking for magical stories with a contemporary "realistic" setting.
May 20, 2024
The Mermaid Moon, authored by Briony May Smith, is a fantasy picture book specifically designed for a young audience. This enchanting narrative chronicles the adventures of Molly, a young human girl, and Merrin, a mermaid, as they enjoy a night together on land during the annual "Mermaid Moon," a special occasion when mermaids are granted temporary permission to venture out from the sea. I would rate The Mermaid Moon four stars. This story is a beautiful and whimsical narrative that effectively portrays the fantasy of mermaids, captivating its intended audience of young readers. The concept of two pals from contrasting worlds having the opportunity to explore each other's domains is highly innovative and full of potential for thrilling exploits. Smith's evocative writing style and imaginative artwork successfully capture the enchantment and awe of the Mermaid Moon event. The book exalts the potency of camaraderie and creativity that surpasses limitations. Although the plot is uncomplicated, it effectively achieves its objective of offering an enjoyable and immersive reading experience for children captivated by mermaids and the potential of the underwater realm.Certain readers may perceive the story as somewhat insignificant or predictable. However, the captivating atmosphere and profound theme of the mermaids' limited capacity to visit land make The Mermaid Moon a delightful inclusion in any young reader's collection of fantasy stories. A captivating and aesthetically impressive piece of art that is likely to bring great joy to those who are passionate about mermaids.
December 28, 2022
Any youngster who has an interest in mermaids or loved The Little Mermaid will want to add this picture book to his/her/their collection. Brimming with magic and magical mixed media illustrations filled with blues and browns, this story describes an unusual friendship between Molly, a human girl, and Merrin, a young mermaid. The friends enjoy each other's company and look forward to the Mermaid Moon festival, the one night each year when Merrin will be able to move about on land and visit Merporth, the fishing village where Molly lives. Molly eagerly shows off the town and her bedroom and its contents to her friend, but Merrin must be mindful of returning to the sea before the moon disappears or there will be dire consequences for her and the harbor. The girls become distracted when Merrin tries a swing for the first time and while climbing a tree. Since Merrin's time on land is almost up, she's too weak to help Molly when her friend is injured. Still, she remembers another friend she can call on, and everything works out just as it should. My favorite illustration is the double-page spread showing the two girls riding a whale across the sky and back to the harbor. The look of wonder on their faces is precious. While this one won't appeal to everyone, for those who do like it, it will be everything and call for multiple readings and dreaming of having a mermaid friend for their very own.
November 16, 2022
Molly (little girl) and Merrin (mermaid) are besties. They hang out during the year with Molly on the surface of the water and Merrin under the sea BUT one night a year, during the Mermaid Moon, Merrin can come out of the water. The girls are so excited for this year’s Mermaid Moon adventure but Merrin’s mom has cautioned her that she needs to be back in the water by the time the sun comes up, or else her “scales would dry up and the magic will vanish from the cover forever.” The girls have fun and more fun and more and more and more fun (more on that later) and finally just as the sun is coming up…something happens…
This was a fun adventure and great for 4 and 5 year olds as it has a deeper story and more text, but the girls really packed in a LOT of adventures for one night. The ending was rather trite but (spoiler alert) at least all turned out well.
This was a fun adventure and great for 4 and 5 year olds as it has a deeper story and more text, but the girls really packed in a LOT of adventures for one night. The ending was rather trite but (spoiler alert) at least all turned out well.
January 15, 2024
Really beautiful story about two best friends. One is human and one is a mermaid - they get one night a year when the mermaid can come on land to see her friend.
There is a small amount of drama where littlies might be able to be drawn in to the tale and wonder if all will end well. I wanted this purely for the the illustrations as Briony May Smith had shared some on her Instagram and I wanted to see them in real life.
The art work is an absolute masterclass in light and shadow, really stunning and I will keep this book and search out more of her work for that reason alone.
The story itself was a bonus to me. Really sweet and I would actually have liked it to be a lot longer. There is definitely more to explore with these two.
The book is larger in format than expected which was a nice surprise and really shows off the artwork well.
There is a small amount of drama where littlies might be able to be drawn in to the tale and wonder if all will end well. I wanted this purely for the the illustrations as Briony May Smith had shared some on her Instagram and I wanted to see them in real life.
The art work is an absolute masterclass in light and shadow, really stunning and I will keep this book and search out more of her work for that reason alone.
The story itself was a bonus to me. Really sweet and I would actually have liked it to be a lot longer. There is definitely more to explore with these two.
The book is larger in format than expected which was a nice surprise and really shows off the artwork well.
January 6, 2023
Fans of mermaids will like Smith's tale of the friendship between a girl Molly and her mermaid friend Merrin. On the one night that mermaid experience the magic they need to float and fly on the land, the two friends finally enjoy a night together. But as the moon starts to set and time is running out for Merrin to return to the sea, Molly finds herself stuck and if Merrin stays to help she might not get back to her sea home in time. The magic of mermaids is celebrated in this story. The illustrations show a contrast between the two girls at the beginning and captures their shared moments together at night as the reader watches the moon go down and wonders if she will make it home on time. There is a fairy tale quality to this story and its illustrations.
October 15, 2023
A beautiful story about the friendship between two girls - one lives in the fishermen's village as a human and the other lives in the sea as a mermaid. They inhabit two different worlds but still manage to see each other and keep their friendship. This reminds be of a girl who belongs to Sofia and a boy who belongs to Bilzen and they still managed to build a home in Brussels <3 The illustrations are stunningly cosy, magical and warm, I must say that I really love the artwork of Briony May Smith. Highly recommended!
P.S. Check it the artwork here - https://cargocollective.com/brionymay...
P.S. Check it the artwork here - https://cargocollective.com/brionymay...
March 29, 2024
Molly and Merrin are best friends; Merrin just happens to be a mermaid. The two play together all the time in the village of Merporth and they can’t wait for the Mermaid Moon festival. This festival is where all the sea creatures come out of the sea and explore the land by swimming through the air. The story tells the tale of what happens when Merrin joins Molly in the village.
I love this book! The premise is fun because it is just accepted that mermaids exist. It’s perfectly whimsical and really, who wouldn’t want a mermaid bestie? The art is charming and the palette is a lovely mix of earth tones and vibrant teals and oranges. The story is both adventurous and magical - Merrin and Molly have to figure out how to get out of a particularly sticky situation and deux ex machina-style, magic happens. It’s a great read aloud, a great pick for kids obsessed with mythical creatures or mermaids, and wonderful mirror of childhood and the relationships/shenanigans we have at a young age.
I love this book! The premise is fun because it is just accepted that mermaids exist. It’s perfectly whimsical and really, who wouldn’t want a mermaid bestie? The art is charming and the palette is a lovely mix of earth tones and vibrant teals and oranges. The story is both adventurous and magical - Merrin and Molly have to figure out how to get out of a particularly sticky situation and deux ex machina-style, magic happens. It’s a great read aloud, a great pick for kids obsessed with mythical creatures or mermaids, and wonderful mirror of childhood and the relationships/shenanigans we have at a young age.
May 17, 2023
Molly lives in a harbor town that is protected by a mermaid. So, naturally, her best friend is the mermaid's daughter, Merrin. Even though they live in different worlds, they manage to do a lot together. Every year, during the Mermaid Moon, mermaids and other sea creatures can fly through the air and visit the world of the humans. But they have to return to the ocean before the moon sets - or there will be big problems!
With the premiere of The Little Mermaid just around the corner, I am guessing mermaid books will be in demand. This is a perfect choice. It has a dash of Cinderella and Little Mermaid but it's main focus is friends and magic.
With the premiere of The Little Mermaid just around the corner, I am guessing mermaid books will be in demand. This is a perfect choice. It has a dash of Cinderella and Little Mermaid but it's main focus is friends and magic.
July 21, 2023
Une fillette et une sirène sont les meilleures amies du monde, et ce soir, c'est la fête de la lune. Pour la première fois, Océane pourra voler hors de l'océan et aller visiter le village des hommes; mais attention! Il faut rentrer avant que les derniers rayons de lune ne disparaissent à l'horizon, sinon la magie disparaîtra pour toujours!
Un conte sur l'amitié, le sacrifice de soi pour ceux qu'on aime et le courage de prendre des risques pour nos proches. Les images sont sublimes, vraiment, les jeux de lumière dans les scène sous l'eau sont fabuleux. Deux demoiselles bien différentes mais tout aussi attachantes, une amitié forte et profonde.
Un conte sur l'amitié, le sacrifice de soi pour ceux qu'on aime et le courage de prendre des risques pour nos proches. Les images sont sublimes, vraiment, les jeux de lumière dans les scène sous l'eau sont fabuleux. Deux demoiselles bien différentes mais tout aussi attachantes, une amitié forte et profonde.
April 2, 2024
Molly and Merrin are best friends who live in two different places. Molly is a human who lives in a small cottage, Merrin is a mermaid who lives in the ocean. On the night of the mermaid moon, Merrin is given the ability to fly and visit Molly's seaside town for the first time. But Merrin must get back home before the moon sets or the magic of the mermaid moon will vanish, will Merrin and Molly manage to get her back home?
I loved this magical story. I dreamed of being a mermaid since I was little so reading this story really made me love mermaids even more. i would highly recommend this story
I loved this magical story. I dreamed of being a mermaid since I was little so reading this story really made me love mermaids even more. i would highly recommend this story
August 3, 2024
I love Briony May Smith's work! I eagerly anticipate every new book. They touch my heart and kindle my imagination -- I know I would have loved them as a child, too. This particular story felt perhaps a tad rambly at times, if I'm being honest, but I still love the idea of the Mermaid Mood (for one evening, the mermaids can come out of the water, float on air, and spend time in the human world! *squee*) and the illustrations are so beautiful, sweet, and full of detail. I'd recommend it to any child who loves mermaids, and those grown-ups who haven't forgotten what it felt like to wish you could be friends with a mermaid.
October 7, 2022
Another magical masterpiece by Briony May Smith. This one is even more magical and unique than Margaret’s Unicorn, which I also love. The art is beautiful. The plot is novel, the characters are relatable, and the resolution is happy but simple (as opposed to some pie-in-the-sky happily ever afters). I’m so pleased I preordered this so I got this great surprise! I read it first in my own, then with my preschooler who requested to read again, it was so good. Please keep up the great work, Briony! We’re excited to read anything you create!
November 21, 2022
An enchanting story of a mermaid and a girl and a magical moon that allows them to share a night together on land. I really enjoyed the story and the illustrations. I like this and also Margaret's Unicorn, which also has lovely illustrations and a charming story.
January 21, 2023
What I liked:
- the art! Briony May Smith’s style is beautiful and the illustrations are so serene and whimsical.
- the whimsical, mystical vibes—this is a sweet bedtime story and really makes you feel like you’re there by the ocean
What I didn’t like:
- I honestly wasn’t a big fan of the writing or story plot itself. Some of the sentences felt clunky and there was a lot of telling in the text explaining backstory and details that weren’t really relevant
- the art! Briony May Smith’s style is beautiful and the illustrations are so serene and whimsical.
- the whimsical, mystical vibes—this is a sweet bedtime story and really makes you feel like you’re there by the ocean
What I didn’t like:
- I honestly wasn’t a big fan of the writing or story plot itself. Some of the sentences felt clunky and there was a lot of telling in the text explaining backstory and details that weren’t really relevant
August 31, 2024
A story of friendship with some very creative magical additions to the lore of mermaids. I can easily imagine fans of all ages enjoying this picture-book. Some will like it for the glimpses of the underwater home. I, however, am not into stories of magical creatures for their sake alone and wanted more depth, or resonance, or re-readability from this. The art does appeal, especially a page of all the sea creatures rising from the depths.
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