Synopsis
Shelly is tired of her brother, Gordy. She’d much prefer a sister. So when Coral catches a wave to shore, they are instant friends, even if one of them has flippers instead of feet. They dance and play and eat peanut butter and jellyfish sandwiches. It’s great having a mermaid sister!
But when Shelly and Coral get in their first fight, Shelly wonders if Coral might be happier back at sea. Life with a sister can have its ups and downs, but it’s nothing another day at the beach can’t fix.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2- What could be better than having a sister to share everything with? Having a mermaid sister! Fed up with her annoying little brother and longing for a more amenable sibling, Shelly comes up with a plan. While on a trip to the beach, she writes a note advertising for a sister, slips it into a bottle, and tosses it into the ocean. Before long a mermaid swims up and accepts the position. Coral moves in with Shelly (which presents certain problems) and their time together is full of fun (playing dress up and painting toenails/fins) and even their first fight (followed by making up). All good things must end, though, and Coral eventually returns to the sea, but she has a plan for keeping in touch. Filled with peach and turquoise hues, the acrylic paintings sing of summer by the sea. The scenes are depicted with warmth and gentle humor and the text keeps the tone light. A somewhat frivolous read, this book may tickle fans of Fancy Nancy or sisters with problematic little brothers.-Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA