The Merman

Ten-year-old Zeta, holidaying with her parents in the far north of Scotland, becomes firm friends with a Merman who not only enables her to overcome her fear of water and swim for the first time, but teaches her all about the beautiful world in which she lives. Zeta is disappointed she cannot meet him the following summer as she had planned. The year after, a return to Scotland brings surprises that fill Zeta with both sadness and joy. King-Smith paints a poignant and beautifully crafted picture of friendship, unbounded by age or time and weaves his extensive knowledge of the natural world into a succinct storyline. Equally successful are Frank Rodgers' subtle and delicate line illustrations. Have a box of tissues handy for the finale.