Wow, did I ever enjoy reading The Mermaid Atlas to my kids? Absolutely. This was 110% as fun for me to learn about as them. I loved seeing the unique and creative lore of mermaids spun through so many cultures. Spanning from scary to silly to beautiful all the different tales were so interesting.

Part of my reasoning for requesting this book had to do with research. Which is somewhat ironic considering that <em>The Mermaid Atlas </em>by Anna Claybourne and illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora likely took an insane amount of research to write. This atlas, as you might expect, goes all across the world to bring you the truth of the countless tales, or perhaps tails, that have built up a reputation for themselves throughout the course of history. Prior to reading this book, I'd not known the exact number of different merfolk that exist within the stories.

This was such a fascinating read, traversing across the globe to slowly introduce myself to every tidbit of knowledge that exists about any sort of half-human, half-fish creature from those of the gods to those of a more sinister variety. There are so many cultures throughout the world that it is of no surprise that accounts of merfolk differ so much from place to place.

I loved the artwork in this book as well, finding that it is very appropriate for the kind of book this is. The imagery that appears within these pages is very recognizable in that it seems to be the typical go-to when it comes to drawing mermaids. In that respect, I'm actually incredibly fond of it.

All in all, this is a quick read and a very informative small book. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking to learn more about those who were once thought to dwell within the depths of the ocean.

<em>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</em>

This book was exactly what I expected and hoped for - which may be both a good and bad thing. As promised, this book is a mermaid atlas with mermaid tails (couldn't help myself) from around the world. Some merfolk get a short blurb of just a few sentences while other stories are highlighted with longer stories and full-bleed illustrations.

And let's talk about those illustrations because they are GORGEOUS. I wasn't familiar with this illustrator before this book and I can't seem to find that they've done any other children's books but you can bet I'll be anxiously awaiting future work. The mer-creatures (because, as we learn, not all merfolk are maids) are the most diverse group of mer-creatures you could hope for -- male, female, agendered, white, black, brown, green, fishy, skinny, chubby-- I won't go on. The artwork in this book is saturated with these oceanic blues and teals in all shades and tones in a perfectly vintagey feeling type of way. if you are hoping for incredible mer- illustrations you are in luck.

This book is divided by continent with loosely detailed geographic maps showing the merfolk and their relative locations. About as good a mermaid informational book as I could ever hope for.

A treasure of a book!

From the beautiful Selkies of the Scottish seas, to the mighty river Syrenka protecting to the city of Warsaw and the fearful Ningyo of Japan with dark powers, The Mermaid Atlas is swimming with mythology, magic and mystery.

Beautifully divided between continents, with short yet satisfying descriptions and additional information on mermaid homes, sightings and timelines, these magical merfolk tales from around the world will mesmerize you throughout. Not to mention Miren Asiain Lora's stunning illustrations! Exquisitely detailed and refreshingly inclusive, each page is a visual treat.

Absolutely enchanting. A must for all mermaid fans.

This book is what is says on the tin: An atlas with different mermaid myths from all over the world.
Each section begins with a map that indicates where this mermaid comes from, and then each myth gets one beautiful illustration to accompany the description.

We need to talk about the illustrations. They are colourful, detailed, and inclusive. Not only have we pale and perfectly groomed slim figures, we have a plus size mermaid, and some feauture arm pit hair. Because they are beautiful as they are, however they chose to represent.
I love that.

As was to be expected, I knew all of the European merfolk, but exactly none from the other continents. I learned while being entertained, which is always the best way.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a cool book about mermaids! Combining mythology, folklore, magic, and sightings from around the world, the Mermaid Atlas is perfect for young mermaid fans. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful! I would recommend this for middle to late elementary aged children.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.