Huntress of the Sea
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Cover Story
This issue’s cover is from a stunning new picture book, Mary’s Secret by David McKee (Andersen Press, 0 86264 909 9, £9.99). An ecological fable about doing without cars, McKee’s story with its bright pictures full of well observed detail is set within Mary’s cheerful family and at her school. His bold, painterly illustrations use the page so confidently and dextrously that their quirky, decorative perspectives seem entirely natural. Thanks to Andersen Press for their help in producing this September cover.
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Huntress of the Sea
Inspired by Scottish folk tales of mermaids and other marine creatures, Temperley's novel, like many of its genre, is characterised by feelings of loss and yearning. Here, the principal loss is that suffered by 12-year-old Ewan, caught in a passionate tussle for the heart and soul of the father who has earlier succumbed to the allurements of the beautiful, if possessive, Neiraa and now returns to his native environment. But it is not in Neiraa's nature to accept his desertion and the stage is set for a violent conflict of loyalties. It all amounts to a reasonably engaging narrative, though with an ending which will disappoint some of its young readers.
