Mermaids Rock: The Coral Kingdom; Linda Chapman, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega

Mermaids Rocks is a new series of lower middle grade stories that see Marina and her mermaid friends go on adventures together and do what they can to save the oceans and the ocean life.

Welcome to Mermaids Rock, a shallow-water coral reef that is home to lots of mermaid families. Its newest residents, Marina, her father Tarak Silverfin, and her pet seahorse Sami are thrilled to be there. Marina is looking forward to making new friends and exploring the ocean whilst her father is excited to carry on his scientific research. When Marina and her friends find that one of the coral caves is badly damaged they are determined to uncover what has been going on… 

This is a fun, enjoyable and heart-warming story set in the depths of the ocean. Sea sponges, anemones and beautiful coral provide a wonderful setting for the colourful sea creatures and ‘mer-vellous’ mermaids, mermen and merboys. Whilst the children play and explore, the adults guard the oceans, conduct research and look after injured sea creatures at the Marine Sanctuary. The story sees Marina and her friends trying to work out what has been causing damage to the precious coral reefs. With a strong friendship theme, the children work together to uncover the truth and along the way they help sea creatures that have become trapped by plastic and educate readers on some of the problems that these creatures and oceans face. The story also explores bullying and standing up for your friends and what you believe in.

There are plenty of ‘fin-tastic’ black and white illustrations throughout that bring alive the underwater world. It is very pleasing to see mermaids and merman of different ethnicities. Back matter includes further information on oceans, sea creatures, coral kingdoms and tips for helping protect the oceans and their inhabitants.

Recommended for 7+.