Review by School Library Journal Review
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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Tired of her "pain in the patootie" brother, Shelly advertises for a sister via a message in a bottle ("Sister Wanted: Apply Onshore"). Mermaid Coral gets the job and much fun ensues, but Coral's not perfect either. The lively art beams with sunny color and cheerful details, though the text could have used a little bit more salt to balance the sweet. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Shelly's little brother Gordy is "a pain in the patootie." She's always wished she had a sister instead, so she puts a message in a bottle and sends it out to sea. Coral, a mermaid, answers Shelly's request. Mom and Dad agree to let Coral come stay, and the girls dance together, watch TV, play dress-up and paint their nails. However, having a sister is not without problems: Coral leaves scales on Shelly's favorite shirt and sometimes plays with Gordy. Yuck! To make up after a fight, Shelly takes Coral to the beach where the mergirl learns that her own brother Sandy misses her. Coral goes home but returns with a solution to the Gordy problem: Sandy. Fraser offers a sweet sea-sister tale; her bright, energetic watercolors feature expressive characters and silly eye-catching oceanic details. Any young miss with a wish for a sis would be happy with this fish. A fine addition to storytimes on siblings or the sea. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
