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Maiden Mermaid - The Tale of Sirena
Not swimming as a human
A mermaid you will be
With a tail glowing turquoise
Splashing water playfully… Maiden Mermaid: The Tale of Sirena is a Texas family folktale written in lyrical language about a young, impulsive Native American maiden who makes a deal with a talking catfish to win her true love. All Sirena wanted was her “happily ever after.” Like many stories of old, the ending is unexpected, and there are essential life lessons to promote discussions and deeper thinking:
Children, parents, teachers, grandparents, and lovers of myths, legends, fairytales, and folktales will be captivated by Maiden Mermaid. Bonus life lessons and vocabulary definitions are in the back of the book. Downloadable activity sheets developed especially for this book are available from the publisher.
Visit Salado, Texas, and see the bronze sculpture of Sirena the Mermaid on the banks of the creek.
A mermaid you will be
With a tail glowing turquoise
Splashing water playfully… Maiden Mermaid: The Tale of Sirena is a Texas family folktale written in lyrical language about a young, impulsive Native American maiden who makes a deal with a talking catfish to win her true love. All Sirena wanted was her “happily ever after.” Like many stories of old, the ending is unexpected, and there are essential life lessons to promote discussions and deeper thinking:
Children, parents, teachers, grandparents, and lovers of myths, legends, fairytales, and folktales will be captivated by Maiden Mermaid. Bonus life lessons and vocabulary definitions are in the back of the book. Downloadable activity sheets developed especially for this book are available from the publisher.
Visit Salado, Texas, and see the bronze sculpture of Sirena the Mermaid on the banks of the creek.
32 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2019
About the author
Sheri Wall
25 books14 followersSheri Wall is a lover of rhyme who has lived in Texas for a really long time. She would read to her sons and kids that she knew, and they all enjoyed rhyming picture books too. Then A Matter of Rhyme began as a dream to help others learn with zippy rhyme schemes. Sheri likes to stay active and be on the go, either biking, shopping, or seeing a show. This witty mom has loads of books to adore. Relax and enjoy as you begin to explore!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 21, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is a good story, and the artwork is pretty good. It is one of the better "my dad told me this story and its been in my family for generations" created books. I loved the fact that she included a photo of the statue this story inspired.
But, it does appear to be a tale about Native Americans told from a settler point of view - the first hint being in the title. So there's that.
But in terms of stories, this interesting in terms of transmission as well as how/why stories are created and adapted.
But, it does appear to be a tale about Native Americans told from a settler point of view - the first hint being in the title. So there's that.
But in terms of stories, this interesting in terms of transmission as well as how/why stories are created and adapted.
August 13, 2019
Lovely
Beautiful illustrations accompany this very lovely story about Sirena. This book will be a classic fairy tale told at bedtime to kids.
Beautiful illustrations accompany this very lovely story about Sirena. This book will be a classic fairy tale told at bedtime to kids.
April 14, 2021
Whoa. Sheri really went there with that ending. I don't know if I love it or hate it. Either way she's got gumption. I didn't like that in the Native American wedding ceremony they say "I do". She westernized their wedding. Other than that I thought it was pretty good.
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June 5, 2020Lovely story, rhyming...meh.
The rhyming misses the mark but the story itself is nice. I loved the illustrations and how it is based on a legend.
The rhyming misses the mark but the story itself is nice. I loved the illustrations and how it is based on a legend.
November 8, 2023
Beautiful book with watercolor illustrations. The story of Sirena is a local tale here in Central Texas, and this book explains it so beautifully!
December 5, 2019
What did Catfish promise Sirena (Native American maiden)?
What about Brave & Sirena?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great hand drawn colored pictures, & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s adventure story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); A Matter of Rhyme; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
What about Brave & Sirena?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great hand drawn colored pictures, & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s adventure story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); A Matter of Rhyme; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 2, 2019
I highly recommend this book where the illustrations are beautiful. I love to read about local legends and this one is perfect.
Sirena wanted her tall and lean brave to notice her. She was crying by the waters edge one day when a catfish appeared. He told her she could have him but she would have to be a mermaid for one year every time the moon was full. During that time she was not to let her brave see her tail or she would be a mermaid forever. Did she accept the deal? You know where you will find the answer? I'n the book!! Enjoy.
Sirena wanted her tall and lean brave to notice her. She was crying by the waters edge one day when a catfish appeared. He told her she could have him but she would have to be a mermaid for one year every time the moon was full. During that time she was not to let her brave see her tail or she would be a mermaid forever. Did she accept the deal? You know where you will find the answer? I'n the book!! Enjoy.
August 2, 2019
Stunning illustrations with beautiful prose
I was unfamiliar with the folktale of Sirena the mermaid before I read this book and I was totally blown away by the beautiful prose written by Sheri Wall. The illustrations are fantastical and bring this story to life. I read the ebook and will be getting the hardcover so we can read this story as a family over and over again. A true treasure.
I was unfamiliar with the folktale of Sirena the mermaid before I read this book and I was totally blown away by the beautiful prose written by Sheri Wall. The illustrations are fantastical and bring this story to life. I read the ebook and will be getting the hardcover so we can read this story as a family over and over again. A true treasure.
September 4, 2019
Beautiful, sad Native American tale
The artwork in the tale is gorgeous! I love that the mermaid myth has been combined with Native American folklore. The author also includes themes that a parent or teacher can use to help discuss the text, and there is also a glossary at the end, making this a great choice for school libraries or homeschool lessons.
The artwork in the tale is gorgeous! I love that the mermaid myth has been combined with Native American folklore. The author also includes themes that a parent or teacher can use to help discuss the text, and there is also a glossary at the end, making this a great choice for school libraries or homeschool lessons.
October 6, 2019
A Sweet Tale With a Tail!
Author Sheri Wall captures the essence of local Texas folklore. The rhyming is melodic and allows the reader to feel this heart-felt story. Although Serena's choice may have been unwise to most, her love for her Brave beau outweighed the potential consequence. Fun bonus material adds to this learning adventure. - Author Toby A. Williams
Author Sheri Wall captures the essence of local Texas folklore. The rhyming is melodic and allows the reader to feel this heart-felt story. Although Serena's choice may have been unwise to most, her love for her Brave beau outweighed the potential consequence. Fun bonus material adds to this learning adventure. - Author Toby A. Williams
October 4, 2019
An interesting tail 😉
This reminded me of the little mermaid with a twist. I loved the rhyming verse and gorgeous illustrations. It made me excited to find out the ending and see what happened! A great read!
This reminded me of the little mermaid with a twist. I loved the rhyming verse and gorgeous illustrations. It made me excited to find out the ending and see what happened! A great read!
September 9, 2019
Loved the story
Loved the book. Well written, beautifully illustrated. This book is easy to read and understand with a sweet love story.
Loved the book. Well written, beautifully illustrated. This book is easy to read and understand with a sweet love story.
September 17, 2019
This was just so wonderful, mystical and magical and I would highly recommend. A beautiful story and captivating imagery.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews