REVIEW
Tallulah the Mermaid and the Great Lakes Pledge (Sleeping Bear Press, 2025) is a sweet story about Tallulah, a mermaid who takes a pledge to serve the Great Lakes. Throughout the story, Tallulah faces challenges but faces them with bravery and even joy at the responsibility of preserving the lakes. One of the best parts is that she encourages others to help with her responsibilities.
Written by Denise Brennan-Nelson and illustrated by Brooke O’Neill, the storyline, writing, and illustrations give readers a sense of adventure from the time they open the book to after they have closed it.
Tallulah takes her job very seriously and strives to keep the great lakes the beautiful marvel that they are. The natural world is portrayed beautifully throughout the story, and the reader really gets a sense for how important the lakes are to all the animals and people that live there.
Tallulah’s job includes protecting people too.
Tallulah helps a young brother and sister back to shore after they were taken out too far in the lake during a storm.
Once she gets them to safety, she encourages them to take the same pledge she took to preserve the beauty of the lakes that they all love.
Tallulah’s feelings about the Great Lakes and her job are communicated well to the reader and teaches children a very important lesson about our natural world.
One of the most unique and wonderful features of this book are the pages at the back. These pages describe how a reader can become an honorary Great Lakes Mermaid as well as throw their own Great Lakes mermaid party. This really helps the reader get involved with the story on a whole other level.
Tallulah the Mermaid and the Great Lakes Pledge is truly a story that calls to adventurous souls and is a wonderful story that many children will enjoy.
WELCOME MY NEW REVIEWER!
My name is Hollis Mozingo. I am a sophomore in high school and I go to school at York Preparatory Academy. I enjoy reading, writing, hiking, watching movies (especially ones that make me cry), listening to music, and playing with my four dogs.
GIVEAWAY
If you are interested in winning this lovely picture book, please leave a comment by November 19. U.S. addresses only. If you live in a state that borders the Great Lakes, or are a librarian or teacher, I’ll put your name in twice. Just make sure you tell me why you qualify for two chances!
This sounds like a beautiful and timely book! I lived on the “nose” of Lake Superior (Duluth) until I moved to the Great Lakes State, Michigan. The lakes are certainly a treasure to care for! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this story.
Thanks, Lindsay. Your name starts the list with two entries! I’m sure Hollis will appreciate your comment.
Chicago is right on Lake Michigan – we consider it our lake and love it. What a great way to introduce what is below the surface!
Thank you, Robin. You’re on twice!
I love the idea of a mermaid protecting the Great Lakes and the people who use it for recreation and travel. The Petoskey Stone tail is a creative art choice too. I can’t wait to read this book. I live in Michigan and Lake Michigan is my favorite of the Great Lakes.
Welcome to Hollis, and thanks for the great review! Tallulah the Mermaid sounds a very sweet story wit ha great theme! Thanks for sharing!
Great title that is sure to be a hit with fantasy-loving elementary readers with a wonderful environmental message gently included!
Thank you, Valinora, Melanie and Danielle. Some little kids are going to enjoy this book!
How fun! A mermaid in a lake … not the ocean! The illustrations are wonderful, too!
Ha, Ha, Pam–I hadn’t even thought of that! Good point!