This was a very quick, but enjoyable read. The story itself was fine, too short and simple to really be memorable or in any way impactful, but still nice. Religion plays a big role in it, but I don't feel I am the right person to give my opinion on it. 


The art in this, and the way the text is involved in it, is amazing though. I am happy I got to read this just for that.

An Irish tale of young boy found by a monk by the sea. You are immediately captured by the illustration and the Irish brogue as you read the words of long ago. Ronan was shipwrecked and saved by the mermaid princess Liban. She had beautiful long hair and a voice that hushed the restless heart of sorrow. Liban had saved Ronan with a promise for him to save her. Ronan stayed with the monks by the sea always looking for Liban and playing his harp given to him by the monks. Even though Ronan lost all that he had, he had found peace. Liban and Ronan meet again and are blessed by each other. An Irish poetic tale.

A Special Thank you to Candlewick Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

I would like to thank NetGalley, Candlewick Press, and author Marianne McShane for providing me with an ARC of this novel!

As a lover of anything mermaids and proudly of Irish descent, this book was perfect. This was a beautiful retelling of an old Irish tale. The pictures went along with the story, and I found myself smiling throughout the whole book. This is a “tail” I will share with my little red-headed niece, and hopefully my own little babes one day!

Thank you to those named above for the chance to read and review this ARC!

Being from proud Irish descent I had to read this read this. It was beautiful and a new tale that I will be more than happy to read to my little one. Wonderful read, thankyou so much for providing it.

This is a beautiful introduction to Irish legends for children! I have been trying to introduce some of the stories to my daughter (age 6) for a couple of years, but hadn’t found any tellings that were age appropriate. This story was perfect!

The story of the Mermaid Saint is beautifully written and illustrated. Although I am familiar with many Irish legends, I was unaware of this one. So, I especially enjoyed the snippet at the end about the origin of the legend.

One thing I would have liked to see was a small pronunciation guide for some of the names, especially for those unfamiliar with the Irish language.

This was a really cool book. I loved the story and the pictures went along with it so well. I think its important for kids to learn about other cultures and their folklore. This was such a magical and unique book! I absolutely loved it!

Delightful retelling of a folk tale of Ireland.

Wonderful pictures.

Ronan is rescued by a mermaid, and keeps trying to find her again. He learns to play the harp, and play songs of the sea, and finally hears her voice again, and is able to rescue her the way she rescued him.

I was unfamiliar with this tale, so was delighted with the retelling, and the well thought out pictures of monks in old Ireland.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.