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Mermaid Curse #1
The Silver Dolphin
Lizzy Baxter is thrilled when her family moves to Cornwall – she's always loved the beach. Lizzy doesn't realise, but she has a special connection with the sea – and the mysterical mermaids and silver dolphins who swim there. But there's much more to the beautiful blue-green world than magic. The evil sea queen is plotting to steal something precious – something that belongs to Lizzy. The Mermaid Curse quartet is a perfect blend of fantasy and reality for readers aged 8–10.
Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2008
12 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Louise Cooper
155 books232 followersLouise Cooper was born in Hertfordshire in 1952. She began writing stories when she was at school to entertain her friends. She hated school so much, in fact—spending most lessons clandestinely writing stories—that she persuaded her parents to let her abandon her education at the age of fifteen and has never regretted it.
She continued to write and her first full-length novel was published when she was only twenty years old. She moved to London in 1975 and worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer in 1977. Since then she has become a prolific writer of fantasy, renowned for her bestselling Time Master trilogy. She has published more than eighty fantasy and supernatural novels, both for adults and children. She also wrote occasional short stories for anthologies, and has co-written a comedy play that was produced for her local school.
Louise Cooper lived in Cornwall with her husband, Cas Sandall, and their black cat, Simba. She gained a great deal of writing inspiration from the coast and scenery, and her other interests included music, folklore, cooking, gardening and "messing about on the beach." Just to make sure she keeps busy, she was also treasurer of her local Lifeboat station.
Louise passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. She was a wonderful and talented lady and will be greatly missed.
She continued to write and her first full-length novel was published when she was only twenty years old. She moved to London in 1975 and worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer in 1977. Since then she has become a prolific writer of fantasy, renowned for her bestselling Time Master trilogy. She has published more than eighty fantasy and supernatural novels, both for adults and children. She also wrote occasional short stories for anthologies, and has co-written a comedy play that was produced for her local school.
Louise Cooper lived in Cornwall with her husband, Cas Sandall, and their black cat, Simba. She gained a great deal of writing inspiration from the coast and scenery, and her other interests included music, folklore, cooking, gardening and "messing about on the beach." Just to make sure she keeps busy, she was also treasurer of her local Lifeboat station.
Louise passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. She was a wonderful and talented lady and will be greatly missed.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 12, 2010
I love this book so far! It has really gave me a hint of what it must be like to be a mermaid and it makes me think " I wish I could be a mermaid!" which is really good.
August 15, 2014
Love this book. Have read the whole series & listened to the audio books too. Wonderful. RIP Louise Cooper <3 x
December 17, 2014
Absolutely love this book by the late Louise Cooper. Mermaid Curse is a great series. Very well written.
July 30, 2015
It's a fantastic book that shows you exactly how it feels like to be a mermaid. Louise Cooper is a brilliant author! Couldn't put down! I wish I was a mermaid now!
July 11, 2022
So good to re-visit these books from my childhood. I used to read these on my beach holidays and they made me want to be a mermaid. I'm excited to re-read the rest of the series and try to remember what happened in the books.
July 31, 2025
childhood read
November 1, 2021
I need the next book!!!!! You can’t stop there!!!! So many questions and intrigue! An easy, quick mermaid story I just got caught up in and I want more! X
February 4, 2017
¿Sabéis cuando encasilláis muy fuerte a un autor en un género y entonces no veis ninguna obra suya que se salga de ahí? Pues eso les debió pasar a los editores españoles de Louise Cooper con este libro. Se nota mucho que es un libro escrito para niños, en el mejor de los sentidos. Bueno, excepto por un detalle, es extremadamente introductorio. Sí, es el primero de una saga y lo único malo que realmente puedo decir de él es que me ha dejado con muchas ganas de más. Louise Cooper siempre ha sido una de mis autoras favoritas debido a dos cosas principalmente, que notaréis con facilidad en la lectura que os está haciendo Alexia, las relaciones entre sus personajes y la belleza de sus descripciones. Ambos aspectos están en este libro, aunque un tanto «aniñados». No nos engañemos, en este primer libro no hay apenas drama, aunque se siembran muchas semillas de los distintos dramas que van a surgir en poco tiempo.
Publicado en Un hacedor en el desierto
Publicado en Un hacedor en el desierto
January 10, 2011
Read this on vacay with my daughter. Could not putit down, moved on to 2 and 3......
June 26, 2013
I liked it
December 30, 2023
It's good for children. I decided to listen to the audio book as a bit of a throwback because I devoured all books about mermaids as a kid, including this series. It's 5 star for the intended audience, as someone in my 20s it's not a personal 5 star because it was simple etc but 100% would I recommended it to children
July 10, 2018
good book for girls especially
May 16, 2022
It was great! It was making me really want to know more.
March 8, 2025
My only complaint is the heteronormativity made me want to die but yay mermaids
July 13, 2025
it was a great book to read it's about a mermaid that didn't even know she was a mermaid she was raised by humans and moved to Cornwall
September 24, 2025
Today we’re here to talk about Mermaid Curse: the Silver Dolphin by Louise Cooper, in which adopted 11 year old Lizzy learns she’s really the long-lost daughter of a mermaid.
Genre and Target Demographic?
• Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy, younger end (8-11 years)
Part of a Series?
• Yes, First in a Series
• Followed by Mermaid Curse: The Black Pearl
Is it a Little Mermaid Retelling?
• No
Mermaid Type and Presence?
• Traditional Mermaid
• Major, Main Character is a half mermaid
~*~
Content Warnings?
• Adoption
◦ Birth parents/family repeatedly referred to as Lizzy’s “real” parents/family.
• Death of a Parent
◦ Offhand mention of main character’s sister’s birth parents dying in a car crash
~*~
You Should Read This Book If You Enjoy:
• Straight-forward stories
• Simple yet well-structured language, especially for early learners
• Cheeky, upbeat tone
• Breathtakingly beautiful cover artwork
• Quick, easy reads that are part of a larger series
You Should Avoid This Book If You:
• Dislike stories that don’t have an ending
• Dislike exposition-heavy dialogue
• Would be bothered by adoptive families being repeatedly referred to as not-real
• Have read or would like to read the Emily Windsnap series, as you won’t find anything here that isn’t done better there
~*~
Did I Enjoy It?
No. TL;DR, it’s really cute, but it’s an incomplete story without an ending. It’s as though it was a single book chopped up into multiple parts for publication.
Much of the narrative is dedicated to teaching new words in an unobtrusive manner, so it’s great for early language learners. Unfortunately, the rest of the narrative spends all its time ramping up, only to leave the story unfinished. While I realize this is a series, this book literally does not have a middle or an ending, which was a frustrating and jarring experience.
Aside from the lack of an ending (despite the presence of an epilogue), my one major gripe with the story was the gratingly derisive attitude the adoptive parents had toward the main character and her sister. It was more than a little off-putting to have the parents “sneer” at the kids, “smugly” correct them, and flat out tell them “I don’t care what you think.” Any other kids book would depict this as villainous or at least antagonistic behavior, but the narrative repeatedly states that they were exceptionally loving parents. Between the parents’ attitudes and their complete lack of supervision on their daughters, I wasn’t buying the supposed familial love.
Really, I’d rather be reading Emily Windsnap over this. It’s got the same basic premise about the adventures of a half-mermaid, more fleshed out stories, better characters, and more engaging writing.
~*~
THAT SAID…
With vibrant descriptive language and a delightfully cheeky tone, this simple yet earnest tale is sure to entice the littler ones and probably won’t bore the adults reading along too much. As long as you aren’t looking for a complete story, it’s a short, largely inoffensive read.
~*~
Happy reading for those who dare to delve into these pages, and swift sailing for those still searching for their perfect mermaid tale!
Genre and Target Demographic?
• Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy, younger end (8-11 years)
Part of a Series?
• Yes, First in a Series
• Followed by Mermaid Curse: The Black Pearl
Is it a Little Mermaid Retelling?
• No
Mermaid Type and Presence?
• Traditional Mermaid
• Major, Main Character is a half mermaid
~*~
Content Warnings?
• Adoption
◦ Birth parents/family repeatedly referred to as Lizzy’s “real” parents/family.
• Death of a Parent
◦ Offhand mention of main character’s sister’s birth parents dying in a car crash
~*~
You Should Read This Book If You Enjoy:
• Straight-forward stories
• Simple yet well-structured language, especially for early learners
• Cheeky, upbeat tone
• Breathtakingly beautiful cover artwork
• Quick, easy reads that are part of a larger series
You Should Avoid This Book If You:
• Dislike stories that don’t have an ending
• Dislike exposition-heavy dialogue
• Would be bothered by adoptive families being repeatedly referred to as not-real
• Have read or would like to read the Emily Windsnap series, as you won’t find anything here that isn’t done better there
~*~
Did I Enjoy It?
No. TL;DR, it’s really cute, but it’s an incomplete story without an ending. It’s as though it was a single book chopped up into multiple parts for publication.
Much of the narrative is dedicated to teaching new words in an unobtrusive manner, so it’s great for early language learners. Unfortunately, the rest of the narrative spends all its time ramping up, only to leave the story unfinished. While I realize this is a series, this book literally does not have a middle or an ending, which was a frustrating and jarring experience.
Aside from the lack of an ending (despite the presence of an epilogue), my one major gripe with the story was the gratingly derisive attitude the adoptive parents had toward the main character and her sister. It was more than a little off-putting to have the parents “sneer” at the kids, “smugly” correct them, and flat out tell them “I don’t care what you think.” Any other kids book would depict this as villainous or at least antagonistic behavior, but the narrative repeatedly states that they were exceptionally loving parents. Between the parents’ attitudes and their complete lack of supervision on their daughters, I wasn’t buying the supposed familial love.
Really, I’d rather be reading Emily Windsnap over this. It’s got the same basic premise about the adventures of a half-mermaid, more fleshed out stories, better characters, and more engaging writing.
~*~
THAT SAID…
With vibrant descriptive language and a delightfully cheeky tone, this simple yet earnest tale is sure to entice the littler ones and probably won’t bore the adults reading along too much. As long as you aren’t looking for a complete story, it’s a short, largely inoffensive read.
~*~
Happy reading for those who dare to delve into these pages, and swift sailing for those still searching for their perfect mermaid tale!
October 24, 2023
I read this when I was nine and immediately loved the series. It was darker than I had expected and gripped me. Every so often I have thought about the series but not managed to find it in the library again so I gave in and bought the series.
Lizzy and Kes are stubborn and brave children who you can't help but immediately like. One of my favourite parts was Lizzy's relationship with her sister Rose. I never forgot how scary Tullor, the evil mermaid queen's servant, was and even now I found him intimidating. The series is fast paced and exciting as well as pulling on the natural lure of the sea.
Reminded me of the Ingo books by Helen Dunmore, though for younger readers.
Lizzy and Kes are stubborn and brave children who you can't help but immediately like. One of my favourite parts was Lizzy's relationship with her sister Rose. I never forgot how scary Tullor, the evil mermaid queen's servant, was and even now I found him intimidating. The series is fast paced and exciting as well as pulling on the natural lure of the sea.
Reminded me of the Ingo books by Helen Dunmore, though for younger readers.
February 14, 2020
Beschreibung:
Taran ist eine wunderschöne aber auch grausame Meerjungfrau zugleich. Als Kopfschmuck trägt sie ein Diadem an dem jedoch 2 Perlen zu ihrer missgunst fehlen. Die Perlen, die sie benötigt, damit sie für immer herrschen kann. Sie ist sich sicher, dass nur die Delfine daran schuld sein können und beschließ, sich an ihnen zu rächen.
Lizzy Baxter und Rose sind vor kurzem erst zusammen mit ihrer Familie in ein neues Haus am Meer gezogen. Sowohl Lizzy als auch Rose sind adoptiert. Rose's Eltern starben bei einem Verkehrsunfall, Lizzy's Eltern hingegen konnten nicht ausfindig gemacht werden. Sie weiß nur, dass sie bereits damals nicht weit von dem jetzigen Haus entfernt gewohnt hat. Nicht weit vom Haus entfernt, befindet sich ein Hafen, ungewöhnlicherweise fühlt sich Lizzy, wenn sie ihn betrachtet, als wäre sie zu Hause.
Als alle zusammen eines Tages einen Ausflug aus dem Meer machen, verliert Lizzy ihr Medaillon, was ihre einzige Erinnerung an ihre Eltern ist. Ihre Schwester Rose macht ihr den Vorschlag am nächsten Tag am Strand nach dem Medaillon zu suchen. Lizzy ist davon wenig begeistert und hegt kaum Hoffnung, es je wieder zu bekommen. Am nächsten Tag begannen die beiden mit der Suche am Strand, plötzlich trifft Lizzy auf einen Jungen namens Kes, welcher ihr Medaillon gefunden hat. Plötzlich rennt Kes weg, als Lizzys Schwester sich den beiden nähert. Wie der Wind rennt Lizzy ihm hinterher, doch er ist schneller und sie verliert ihn aus den Augen. Wer ist dieser Junge? Und warum wollte er wissen was es mit dem Medaillon auf sich hat?
Eigene Meinung:
Da ich ein großer Fan von Meerjungfrauen bin, musste ich das Buch unbedingt lesen, auch wenn es sich wohl eher an Kinder richtet. Zu erst möchte ich etwas zu dem Cover sagen: Es ist atemberaubend schön! Die Farben passen wunderbar zusammen und bei der Gestaltung des Covers wurde sich wirklich viel Mühe gegeben! Jetzt, da ich das Buch gelesen habe, muss ich sagen, dass es nicht nur etwas für Kinder ist, sondern durchaus auch für die "älteren" unter uns. Es ist keinesfalls in einer kindlichen Sprache geschrieben, so dass keine langeweile aufkommt oder man sich denken muss, dass es doch eigentlich klar ist, worum es geht. Die Schrift des Buches ist relativ groß und somit angenehm zum lesen. Ich muss allerdings zugeben, dass es ein bisschen wenig Seiten hat und man nicht drumherum kommt, den 2. Band zu lesen, wenn man wissen möchte, wie es weitergeht, da noch nicht allzuviel passiert ist. Das macht mir persönlich allerdings nichts aus, denn mich hat das Buch überzeugt und ich werde aufjedenfall auch die anderen Bände der Reihe lesen. Laut meinen Informationen, gibt es aktuell 4 Bände.
Fazit:
Ein Buch, welches nicht nur für Kinder ist, sondern auch durchaus für die "älteren" unter uns, geeignet ist! ;)
Taran ist eine wunderschöne aber auch grausame Meerjungfrau zugleich. Als Kopfschmuck trägt sie ein Diadem an dem jedoch 2 Perlen zu ihrer missgunst fehlen. Die Perlen, die sie benötigt, damit sie für immer herrschen kann. Sie ist sich sicher, dass nur die Delfine daran schuld sein können und beschließ, sich an ihnen zu rächen.
Lizzy Baxter und Rose sind vor kurzem erst zusammen mit ihrer Familie in ein neues Haus am Meer gezogen. Sowohl Lizzy als auch Rose sind adoptiert. Rose's Eltern starben bei einem Verkehrsunfall, Lizzy's Eltern hingegen konnten nicht ausfindig gemacht werden. Sie weiß nur, dass sie bereits damals nicht weit von dem jetzigen Haus entfernt gewohnt hat. Nicht weit vom Haus entfernt, befindet sich ein Hafen, ungewöhnlicherweise fühlt sich Lizzy, wenn sie ihn betrachtet, als wäre sie zu Hause.
Als alle zusammen eines Tages einen Ausflug aus dem Meer machen, verliert Lizzy ihr Medaillon, was ihre einzige Erinnerung an ihre Eltern ist. Ihre Schwester Rose macht ihr den Vorschlag am nächsten Tag am Strand nach dem Medaillon zu suchen. Lizzy ist davon wenig begeistert und hegt kaum Hoffnung, es je wieder zu bekommen. Am nächsten Tag begannen die beiden mit der Suche am Strand, plötzlich trifft Lizzy auf einen Jungen namens Kes, welcher ihr Medaillon gefunden hat. Plötzlich rennt Kes weg, als Lizzys Schwester sich den beiden nähert. Wie der Wind rennt Lizzy ihm hinterher, doch er ist schneller und sie verliert ihn aus den Augen. Wer ist dieser Junge? Und warum wollte er wissen was es mit dem Medaillon auf sich hat?
Eigene Meinung:
Da ich ein großer Fan von Meerjungfrauen bin, musste ich das Buch unbedingt lesen, auch wenn es sich wohl eher an Kinder richtet. Zu erst möchte ich etwas zu dem Cover sagen: Es ist atemberaubend schön! Die Farben passen wunderbar zusammen und bei der Gestaltung des Covers wurde sich wirklich viel Mühe gegeben! Jetzt, da ich das Buch gelesen habe, muss ich sagen, dass es nicht nur etwas für Kinder ist, sondern durchaus auch für die "älteren" unter uns. Es ist keinesfalls in einer kindlichen Sprache geschrieben, so dass keine langeweile aufkommt oder man sich denken muss, dass es doch eigentlich klar ist, worum es geht. Die Schrift des Buches ist relativ groß und somit angenehm zum lesen. Ich muss allerdings zugeben, dass es ein bisschen wenig Seiten hat und man nicht drumherum kommt, den 2. Band zu lesen, wenn man wissen möchte, wie es weitergeht, da noch nicht allzuviel passiert ist. Das macht mir persönlich allerdings nichts aus, denn mich hat das Buch überzeugt und ich werde aufjedenfall auch die anderen Bände der Reihe lesen. Laut meinen Informationen, gibt es aktuell 4 Bände.
Fazit:
Ein Buch, welches nicht nur für Kinder ist, sondern auch durchaus für die "älteren" unter uns, geeignet ist! ;)
July 7, 2016
My god, this book was dumb! If it wasnt such a short read I wouldnt have finished it (why did I even start it at all!?! Why, why!? I had a mermaid dream once that had better plot than this book!). Its definitely a book only for 5 year old girls (Warning: that book will put parents to sleep!)
Also, as I was reading this book, part of me was hoping for an explanation for how a mermaid and a human would ... procreate... I think mermaids would qualify as different species ... O.o
Also, as I was reading this book, part of me was hoping for an explanation for how a mermaid and a human would ... procreate... I think mermaids would qualify as different species ... O.o
September 7, 2017
I am not the target audience for this book, but whilst I liked the concept and the writing quality was good I found the story telling very abbreviated for what I took to be a book for maybe 8 year olds? I would have loved the story to move further on in the first book - but I am intrigued as to the mysteries involved!
August 5, 2015
Ein schönes Buch für Mädchen ab acht Jahren, durch das man in eine völlig neue Welt abtaucht - trotzdem hat mir hier irgendwas gefehlt...
April 10, 2016
An intriguing premise and characters, with a fun setting and a mystery that pulls you in. My students will like this one!
Want to Read
March 12, 2018it is really fun to read and is very adventurist.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews