About This Book
Reach for this book when your child's imagination begins to collide with the truth, or if they have started telling tall tales that could inadvertently hurt others. Samantha, or Sam, lives in a world of moonshine where her mother is a mermaid and her cat can talk. While her creativity is beautiful, it leads to a dangerous situation when her friend Thomas believes her fantasies and gets caught in a storm. This Caldecott Medal winner gently explores the boundary between healthy play and the responsibility we have to be truthful with those who trust us. Through Sam's journey, parents can discuss the weight of words and the importance of accountability without crushing a child's creative spirit. It is particularly resonant for children navigating the loneliness of a single-parent home or the loss of a parent, as Sam's fantasies clearly serve as a coping mechanism for her mother's absence. The story concludes with a beautiful bridge between the two worlds, showing that reality can be just as magical as make-believe.
