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The Tide Singer
In the wake of a tempest hitting her town, Morwenna is left to take care of a stranger washed ashore.
The storm is just another of many that have plagued the town for years – people blame the tide singers, legendary sea people who are said to charm storms with their singing.
Morwenna has never believed the tales, but when she is left alone with the stranger, she realises this is no ordinary girl. Can the stories be true? Can the girl control the tides with nothing more than her voice?
Her arrival brings danger of a different kind, and Morwenna must draw on all the courage she has in order to stop a conflict that could destroy her home...
The storm is just another of many that have plagued the town for years – people blame the tide singers, legendary sea people who are said to charm storms with their singing.
Morwenna has never believed the tales, but when she is left alone with the stranger, she realises this is no ordinary girl. Can the stories be true? Can the girl control the tides with nothing more than her voice?
Her arrival brings danger of a different kind, and Morwenna must draw on all the courage she has in order to stop a conflict that could destroy her home...
87 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 10, 2022
A lovely short story. I was transported into Morwenna's world and I really enjoyed it.
November 25, 2023
This book is really beautiful inside out. I would say this is one of the most underrated books ever!
The story teaches kindness and how we can be human even when those around us try to make us do things just because some people decide to be unkind because they are afraid of the unknown.
The main character, the little girl, tries to save a creature and shows how her kindness can help her community to live in harmony despite their differences.
So beautifully crafted and now I just can’t let go of the book!
The story teaches kindness and how we can be human even when those around us try to make us do things just because some people decide to be unkind because they are afraid of the unknown.
The main character, the little girl, tries to save a creature and shows how her kindness can help her community to live in harmony despite their differences.
So beautifully crafted and now I just can’t let go of the book!
October 19, 2022
This was a beautifully written children's story of sirens, ghosts, and young girls doing good. I really enjoyed this and it was such a good read for October, very atmospheric! 5 ⭐!
March 20, 2022
The Tide Singer is the new children's book on offer from Barrington Stoke Books, and it's absolutely filled with creepy atmosphere, wonderful world building, and some great characters.
As soon as the story begins we get a good sense of the mildly creepy tone that the book will have, as Morwenna introduces us to her family in the most delightful way. 'Our family have owned the funeral parlour in Carregton Crow and been cemetery keepers for as long as history can remember. It's an important job. The town is small and everyone knows each other, so we all feel the loss when someone dies.' If that description doesn't set a mood for the rest of the book I don't know what does.
The Tide Singer is a dark story, one where most of the events happen at night, or in the darkness of rainstorms and cloudy days. It feels like the kind of story where the cold and the dark are closing in around you, waiting to find a way inside your cosy home and give you chills. It's the kind of book that you'd want to read on a cold day as the rain comes down outside.
The story follows Morwenna, a young girl who lives with her father in the small coastal town of Carregton Crow in the year 1895. Her family are the undertakers, and as such, when not attending to a new death they sail their small boat out to the island cemetery, tending to the graves and replacing the old candles with fresh ones. Morwenna has grown up living in a home filled with the dead, and doesn't fear those who have passed on, and even spends her time on the cemetery island saying hello to each of the graves, and speaks to the coffins as they travel to the island, giving their occupants company as they travel to their final resting place.
Morwenna is used to a hard life, though one filled with love thanks to her wonderful father. But one day things change when a fierce storm rolls into town. The storms have always been a way of life at Carregton Crow, but now they seem to be getting worse. When a fishing boat goes missing everyone in town has to go out to help, including Morwenna's father. When he returns home, however, he brings with him a strange young girl, found in the stormy waters. He leaves the girl with Morwenna, heading back out into the storm once again.
When the girl wakes Morwenna does her best to be friendly with her, and manages to make the girl feel comfortable, but she finds it strange that the girl cant speak, and that no matter what she does her hair stays wet. Soon Morwenna comes to a startling realisation, that the girl is a Tide Singer, a magical creature that lives beneath the sea, and can use her singing to change the tides and calm storms. Morwenna knows that she needs to keep this realisation quiet, that the townspeople might try to harm the girl if they find out; but when Morwenna tries to copy the girls singing she sets into motion a series of events that will put everyone in danger, and could forever change the lives of everyone in Carregton Crow.
The Tide Singer is a delightful story, one that shows children that sometimes the things we've been told, the stories that get passed down over the generations and that people see as fact, can sometimes be wrong. The villagers of Carregton Crow think the Tide Singers are evil creatures, that they want to bring people harm, but Morwenna soon learns that that's pretty far from the truth. The girl that she befriends is a gentle person, one who only want to live in peace and harmony with the people of the town.
Over the course of the events of the book Morwenna learns that she has to stand up to the people of the town, that she needs to be brave enough to tell the adults around her that they're wrong. This is something that any child would find frightening, and it's a big thing for her character to do; but it's also an important lesson that children need to learn. Sometimes those in positions of authority are wrong, and you need to act whenever than happens.
The book also has some wonderful illustrations by August Ro, whose art works wonderfully at creating a sense of atmosphere. Whilst the cover is in full colour, and looks wonderful, the interior art is in black and white; yet this adds to the sense of darkness that looms over the book. It feels like the town is gloomy and storm ridden thanks to the art, and there are some wonderful images that help you feel like you're in this storm-swept town too. But there are also some really beautiful images too, images that how how beautiful it can be as well.
The Tide Singer is a book that is rich in atmosphere, full of interesting ideas, and some wonderful moments. It's got some important messages to tell, and uses this dark fairy-tale-like narrative to do so. An absolute delight from start to finish.
As soon as the story begins we get a good sense of the mildly creepy tone that the book will have, as Morwenna introduces us to her family in the most delightful way. 'Our family have owned the funeral parlour in Carregton Crow and been cemetery keepers for as long as history can remember. It's an important job. The town is small and everyone knows each other, so we all feel the loss when someone dies.' If that description doesn't set a mood for the rest of the book I don't know what does.
The Tide Singer is a dark story, one where most of the events happen at night, or in the darkness of rainstorms and cloudy days. It feels like the kind of story where the cold and the dark are closing in around you, waiting to find a way inside your cosy home and give you chills. It's the kind of book that you'd want to read on a cold day as the rain comes down outside.
The story follows Morwenna, a young girl who lives with her father in the small coastal town of Carregton Crow in the year 1895. Her family are the undertakers, and as such, when not attending to a new death they sail their small boat out to the island cemetery, tending to the graves and replacing the old candles with fresh ones. Morwenna has grown up living in a home filled with the dead, and doesn't fear those who have passed on, and even spends her time on the cemetery island saying hello to each of the graves, and speaks to the coffins as they travel to the island, giving their occupants company as they travel to their final resting place.
Morwenna is used to a hard life, though one filled with love thanks to her wonderful father. But one day things change when a fierce storm rolls into town. The storms have always been a way of life at Carregton Crow, but now they seem to be getting worse. When a fishing boat goes missing everyone in town has to go out to help, including Morwenna's father. When he returns home, however, he brings with him a strange young girl, found in the stormy waters. He leaves the girl with Morwenna, heading back out into the storm once again.
When the girl wakes Morwenna does her best to be friendly with her, and manages to make the girl feel comfortable, but she finds it strange that the girl cant speak, and that no matter what she does her hair stays wet. Soon Morwenna comes to a startling realisation, that the girl is a Tide Singer, a magical creature that lives beneath the sea, and can use her singing to change the tides and calm storms. Morwenna knows that she needs to keep this realisation quiet, that the townspeople might try to harm the girl if they find out; but when Morwenna tries to copy the girls singing she sets into motion a series of events that will put everyone in danger, and could forever change the lives of everyone in Carregton Crow.
The Tide Singer is a delightful story, one that shows children that sometimes the things we've been told, the stories that get passed down over the generations and that people see as fact, can sometimes be wrong. The villagers of Carregton Crow think the Tide Singers are evil creatures, that they want to bring people harm, but Morwenna soon learns that that's pretty far from the truth. The girl that she befriends is a gentle person, one who only want to live in peace and harmony with the people of the town.
Over the course of the events of the book Morwenna learns that she has to stand up to the people of the town, that she needs to be brave enough to tell the adults around her that they're wrong. This is something that any child would find frightening, and it's a big thing for her character to do; but it's also an important lesson that children need to learn. Sometimes those in positions of authority are wrong, and you need to act whenever than happens.
The book also has some wonderful illustrations by August Ro, whose art works wonderfully at creating a sense of atmosphere. Whilst the cover is in full colour, and looks wonderful, the interior art is in black and white; yet this adds to the sense of darkness that looms over the book. It feels like the town is gloomy and storm ridden thanks to the art, and there are some wonderful images that help you feel like you're in this storm-swept town too. But there are also some really beautiful images too, images that how how beautiful it can be as well.
The Tide Singer is a book that is rich in atmosphere, full of interesting ideas, and some wonderful moments. It's got some important messages to tell, and uses this dark fairy-tale-like narrative to do so. An absolute delight from start to finish.
February 28, 2023
Morwena is the daughter of a mortician in a small seaside village. They both take great effort to respect the dead, while preparing them after death and still remembering them after burial.
A small island not far from their village is the home of the buried, and Morwena tends to the graves regularly.
The only thing that blights their simple life are the loss of townsfolk and fisherman in storms that ravage the coast. Some say that it is the Tide Singers calling storms upon them, but others say these singing creatures are nothing more than old wives tales and superstition.
When Morwena hears the eerie singing for herself one night, she wonders if there is more to the town gossip?
Another storm rolls in, even more ferocious than before, but this time, Morwena learns why and where they come from. Can she get her town to listen in order to save it and the mythical Tide Singers too?
Tension rises as the storm rages around them, and the solution is ignored. Fear, superstition and even revenge take over, forcing Mother Nature, mystical creatures, and the village to clash.
Written with Dyslexic and Reluctant Readers in mind, The Tide Singer is a compelling historical tale set in 1895.
It might be a simpler time, but the language is often lyrical in its description of the setting of the story, and in common speech among the characters.
More strange than spooky, it is a story of a village trying to survive among superstition, survival, and control. Will kindness prevail?
Another great story by the masters of books for children with Dyslexia, Barrington Stoke publishers never disappoint.
Dyslexic / Reluctant Readers
Reading Age - 8 / Interest Age - 9+
A small island not far from their village is the home of the buried, and Morwena tends to the graves regularly.
The only thing that blights their simple life are the loss of townsfolk and fisherman in storms that ravage the coast. Some say that it is the Tide Singers calling storms upon them, but others say these singing creatures are nothing more than old wives tales and superstition.
When Morwena hears the eerie singing for herself one night, she wonders if there is more to the town gossip?
Another storm rolls in, even more ferocious than before, but this time, Morwena learns why and where they come from. Can she get her town to listen in order to save it and the mythical Tide Singers too?
Tension rises as the storm rages around them, and the solution is ignored. Fear, superstition and even revenge take over, forcing Mother Nature, mystical creatures, and the village to clash.
Written with Dyslexic and Reluctant Readers in mind, The Tide Singer is a compelling historical tale set in 1895.
It might be a simpler time, but the language is often lyrical in its description of the setting of the story, and in common speech among the characters.
More strange than spooky, it is a story of a village trying to survive among superstition, survival, and control. Will kindness prevail?
Another great story by the masters of books for children with Dyslexia, Barrington Stoke publishers never disappoint.
Dyslexic / Reluctant Readers
Reading Age - 8 / Interest Age - 9+
February 21, 2022
My inner 10-year-old was so happy with the opening of The Tide Singer. I’ve always been fascinated by cemeteries and anything vaguely morbid which I am fairly sure was a result of early exposure to My Girl and plenty of Stephen King novels.
“Our family have owned the funeral parlour in Carregton Crow and been the cemetery keepers for as long as history can remember. They’re important jobs. The town is small and everyone knows each other, so we all feel the loss when someone dies.”
There’s much to love about The Tide Singer. It’s so atmospheric, you can feel the cold drafts, see the dark corners, and smell the sea air around you. Williams’ character and world-building are extraordinary in such a short book. Most importantly there are the messages within the story about tolerance, understanding, and questioning the world around you rather than maintaining the status quo.
Additionally, August Ro’s wonderful illustrations help to bring the story to life and provide dimension.
Although the book is formatted with dyslexic/reluctant readers in mind, it is a story for all. A really wonderful book and just another example of Eloise Williams’ writing talent.
Many thanks to Barrington Stoke for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Our family have owned the funeral parlour in Carregton Crow and been the cemetery keepers for as long as history can remember. They’re important jobs. The town is small and everyone knows each other, so we all feel the loss when someone dies.”
There’s much to love about The Tide Singer. It’s so atmospheric, you can feel the cold drafts, see the dark corners, and smell the sea air around you. Williams’ character and world-building are extraordinary in such a short book. Most importantly there are the messages within the story about tolerance, understanding, and questioning the world around you rather than maintaining the status quo.
Additionally, August Ro’s wonderful illustrations help to bring the story to life and provide dimension.
Although the book is formatted with dyslexic/reluctant readers in mind, it is a story for all. A really wonderful book and just another example of Eloise Williams’ writing talent.
Many thanks to Barrington Stoke for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2022
On a small island that keeps having raging storms and the town gossip spreads stories of a tide singer causing them. Then on a night so bad an unknown girl is brought into the funeral parlour and Morwenna looks after her and finds out who she really is.
This was amazing, just so amazing I loved this book it was eerie, it was clever, unique and I loved everything. The setting being a small welsh island and the protagonist working with her Da in a funeral home and on the small creepy graveyard land, I absolutely loved that.
The tide singer was fascinating and such an interesting creature, she harnessed the waters, had her own strange language and was really so unique. The illustrations of her were so intriguing and she was drawn so wonderfully. Also what she could do and how she did it was really unique too.
This is such an incredible short middle grade horror, it’s eerie, it hooks you in instantly, it gets your mind wandering and you love exploring who really is this tide singer. The characters are all so interesting and I just love the vibe this whole story gave off.
I’ve never read anything quite like this, it was so interesting and it was such a great historical horror, with added mythology/ Folktales and so much more. I highly recommend this book it will not disappoint at all.
This was amazing, just so amazing I loved this book it was eerie, it was clever, unique and I loved everything. The setting being a small welsh island and the protagonist working with her Da in a funeral home and on the small creepy graveyard land, I absolutely loved that.
The tide singer was fascinating and such an interesting creature, she harnessed the waters, had her own strange language and was really so unique. The illustrations of her were so intriguing and she was drawn so wonderfully. Also what she could do and how she did it was really unique too.
This is such an incredible short middle grade horror, it’s eerie, it hooks you in instantly, it gets your mind wandering and you love exploring who really is this tide singer. The characters are all so interesting and I just love the vibe this whole story gave off.
I’ve never read anything quite like this, it was so interesting and it was such a great historical horror, with added mythology/ Folktales and so much more. I highly recommend this book it will not disappoint at all.
December 1, 2023
A beautiful, lyrical short story about Morwenna, a girl who lives near an island for the dead and works as a mortician's assistant to her father. Morwenna and her father have to sail all the bodies across the sea to lay them to rest on the island, but the tide singers are known to cause storms, so they have to be careful and attuned to the changes in the weather. Until a tide singer washes up in a terrible storm and Morwenna tries to heal her and learn from her. But the tides are not something to be played with and if Morwenna can't fix the out of control currents the whole village might wash up dead on the beach.
This short story manages to be about death and dying while at the same time hopeful and lyrical - no mean feat. It could easily have been stretched out to novel length but it has been written for Barrington Stoke and 'reluctant readers'. In a way I appreciate the story more for this - such a brilliant idea delivered as a tiny diamond rather than strung into chapters of cubic zircona.
This short story manages to be about death and dying while at the same time hopeful and lyrical - no mean feat. It could easily have been stretched out to novel length but it has been written for Barrington Stoke and 'reluctant readers'. In a way I appreciate the story more for this - such a brilliant idea delivered as a tiny diamond rather than strung into chapters of cubic zircona.
February 25, 2022
Thank you Barrington Stoke for this review copy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world building in The Tide Singer. Within the first couple of paragraphs set everything up beautifully. Morwenna’s tasks, the island, the peopled, etc. I especially liked the graveyard Morwenna and her father look after. Which might sound morbid, but I thought that it sounded like a lovely place.
The story is fast paced but even though the book is less than a 100 pages this feels like a full and vivid story. Morwenna has a good character arc and I just really liked her father. So often parents are just “there” or are part of the issues but Morwenna’s father is a solid and supporting parent and that’s really nice to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world building in The Tide Singer. Within the first couple of paragraphs set everything up beautifully. Morwenna’s tasks, the island, the peopled, etc. I especially liked the graveyard Morwenna and her father look after. Which might sound morbid, but I thought that it sounded like a lovely place.
The story is fast paced but even though the book is less than a 100 pages this feels like a full and vivid story. Morwenna has a good character arc and I just really liked her father. So often parents are just “there” or are part of the issues but Morwenna’s father is a solid and supporting parent and that’s really nice to read.
September 27, 2024
Williams Shoes #1
Short myth style tale of fantasy type creation that can control storms, and they all have to work together to cause peace and harmony for the betterment of all.
You therefore know it is a fantasy tale, in real life they would kill the creature and cause a war.
Short myth style tale of fantasy type creation that can control storms, and they all have to work together to cause peace and harmony for the betterment of all.
You therefore know it is a fantasy tale, in real life they would kill the creature and cause a war.
March 8, 2022
I always love Eloise Williams' books, but she has absolutely surpassed herself with this one. A beautiful story, exquisitely told. I simply couldn't put it down.
March 31, 2022
Beautiful book about compassion.. Eerie atmosphere at a coast town..
April 6, 2022
A really sweet book; I can’t wait to put it in my school library!
January 28, 2023
Atmospheric and dreamy. I loved it.
April 29, 2023
Amazing book. 5 stars 🫧💙🌊🌌🌟
June 9, 2023
What a wonderful short read.
I've already recommended it to a pupil and I see her every day reading it!
There is just something special about a Barrington Stoke book!
I've already recommended it to a pupil and I see her every day reading it!
There is just something special about a Barrington Stoke book!
November 30, 2024
About a girl who saves the tide singer, a story with illustrations.
March 1, 2025
3.5/5.
May 24, 2025
The only reason I gave this 1 star as it was aimed at YA the premise was good but just not for me.
June 12, 2023
A lovely simple story for a young reader with themes of strength, hope and kindness.
Beautiful imagery: "Trees bent low by the wind, like women cockle picking"
Beautiful imagery: "Trees bent low by the wind, like women cockle picking"
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews