About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the pressure to fit in or is struggling to stand up for someone who is being treated unfairly by a group. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of a 17th-century Dutch sailing ship, this story follows a young cabin boy who discovers a captured merman. While the crew sees only a monster or a prize to be exploited, the boy sees a living being worthy of dignity and freedom. Jane Yolen's lyrical prose explores the heavy weight of moral courage and the internal conflict of choosing what is right over what is easy. It is an ideal bridge for children ages 7 to 10 who are moving into chapter books but still crave the wonder of folklore. This book offers a gentle yet profound model for integrity, showing that even the smallest person can make a life-changing difference for another.
