Thora and the Incredible Crystals

Thora, half mermaid/half human, her mermaid mother and someone irritatingly referred to as her Guardian Angle, have set sail for Tasmania (where the author lives part-time) in search of her pet peacock’s relations. But when they get there, not a peacock is to be seen. And just how do the mysterious crystal-lined baths work their miracle cures?

Thora sets out to find out, and coincidentally meets someone very important to her…

Inventive, pacy and fun, this is a sophisticated romp requiring a good vocabulary to combat and interpret the vagaries of Thora’s speech, and persistence to read the relatively dense text. Not a quick read, and not without its irritations, at least to the pernickety older reader!

I found Johnson’s illustrations uneven – often quirky and attractive, but occasionally unclear – and her handwritten signs and labels on maps rather casual in style. However, I was glad to meet Thora, star of two previous titles – she’s an intrepid and feisty heroine.