Review of The Girl Whose Mum Used to be a Mermaid

Please use this sub-forum to discuss both middle-grade and younger children's books, including picture books, easy readers, and children's chapter books. Topics for books aimed at children 12 and under go in this forum.
Post Reply
User avatar
Kshitija Sonawane
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 586
Joined: 29 Oct 2023, 03:41
Currently Reading: symptomatic
Bookshelf Size: 38
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kshitija-sonawane.html
Latest Review: Symptomatic: Life of A Sickle Cell Carrier by Louise Rachael Mwape Miller

Review of The Girl Whose Mum Used to be a Mermaid

Post by Kshitija Sonawane »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Girl Whose Mum Used to be a Mermaid" by Jane Berg.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


I am close to my parents. Are you close with yours? What are your memories with them? Did they tell you bedtime stories? Or did they make up stories for you? Did they encourage you to come up with stories of your own?

Stella, a wise young girl, has loving parents who love her and would do anything for her. She feels the same way about them. However, her mother's health seems to be deteriorating. Meanwhile, some mean girls in her school are starting to trouble her. Stella is young, but she also understands that she should not burden her parents with such worries. They already have enough trouble. Can her mother weave a story intricate enough to engage Stella’s young mind? What would the story be like? To read the story, pick up a copy of The Girl Whose Mom Used To Be A Mermaid by Jane Berg.

This book only contains some on-page kissing. Apart from that, there are no sexual scenes in the book, and there are no profanities in the book. When I saw this was a children’s book, I expected it to be full of bright colours and pictures. However, I was surprised that this book had a coherent plot. There are characters here, characters with complex feelings and other things that children's books lack. This could be a bedtime story. However, it is too intricate to be one. Thus, this story can be enjoyed by older kids.

As a lover of storybooks, I was thrilled to read this one, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. One character that particularly resonated with me was Lorelai. Despite the challenges she has faced, she continues to lead a content life. I can only imagine the strength and resilience it takes to live her life. She is truly an inspiring figure.

My only complaint about the book is that it contains too many errors. It needs thorough, professional editing. I loved everything else about this book. I am cutting one star for the errors, giving this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

******
The Girl Whose Mum Used to be a Mermaid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
There are few things in life that can make me as happy as oily foods.
User avatar
Gerry Steen
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 2672
Joined: 08 May 2023, 20:08
Favorite Book: Life Shattered
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 456
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gerry-steen.html
Latest Review: The Seer's Curse by A.K. Nikole

Post by Gerry Steen »

What an interesting title for the book! Any children's story that encourages a good relationship with their parents is worthwhile to read. I do hope that the author corrects the mistakes by having a professional round of editing done, as you suggested.
User avatar
Anu Anand
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1365
Joined: 25 Jun 2023, 20:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 107
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-anu-anand.html
Latest Review: The Pursuit of Happiness by Paul Lucas Scott

Post by Anu Anand »

This sounds like a heartwarming story, and I love how it's about family and storytelling. I'm especially interested in how Stella's mom weaves stories to help her through tough times. It's disappointing to hear about the errors, but the plot seems worth it.
User avatar
RJ Reviews
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 714
Joined: 30 Jun 2023, 12:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 97
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rj-reviews.html
Latest Review: Terra Firma by Jessahme Wren
Reading Device: 1400697484

Post by RJ Reviews »

Oh, this definitely sounds like an interesting and heartwarming story. A child's bond with their parents is the most tender and strongest bond. A mother will do anything to make her child feel better and achieve success in life. I can imagine Stella's mother soothing her worries with heartfelt stories. LA great review.
"The gods grow jealous of too much contentment anywhere, and they show their displeasure all of a sudden.” - R. K. Narayan, Maldudi Days
User avatar
Anaïs Quesson
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 523
Joined: 15 Jun 2023, 14:20
Favorite Book: The Song of Achilles
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 190
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ana-s-quesson.html
Latest Review: Journey To The Heartland by Xiaolong Huang

Post by Anaïs Quesson »

The title of this book is very intriguing, and it seems like it has some good teachings. Congratulations on this well-thought review!
Anaïs - she/her

“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.” ― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles
User avatar
Adrian Bouknight
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 352
Joined: 25 May 2024, 21:51
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-adrian-bouknight.html
Latest Review: My name is arthur by Mj windsor

Post by Adrian Bouknight »

Kshitija! This might be a strange question, but what does this book have to do with mermaids?

Anyway! Thank you for sharing. As a parent myself, it makes me reflect on the question of if I am being intentional, spending enough time with my own children, and my parents as well. We are never promised tomorrow, so its best not to live with regrets.

As always, I have really enjoyed your reviews! Thank you for sharing with us!
Kshitija Sonawane wrote: 18 Sep 2024, 08:41 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Girl Whose Mum Used to be a Mermaid" by Jane Berg.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


I am close to my parents. Are you close with yours? What are your memories with them? Did they tell you bedtime stories? Or did they make up stories for you? Did they encourage you to come up with stories of your own?

Stella, a wise young girl, has loving parents who love her and would do anything for her. She feels the same way about them. However, her mother's health seems to be deteriorating. Meanwhile, some mean girls in her school are starting to trouble her. Stella is young, but she also understands that she should not burden her parents with such worries. They already have enough trouble. Can her mother weave a story intricate enough to engage Stella’s young mind? What would the story be like? To read the story, pick up a copy of The Girl Whose Mom Used To Be A Mermaid by Jane Berg.

This book only contains some on-page kissing. Apart from that, there are no sexual scenes in the book, and there are no profanities in the book. When I saw this was a children’s book, I expected it to be full of bright colours and pictures. However, I was surprised that this book had a coherent plot. There are characters here, characters with complex feelings and other things that children's books lack. This could be a bedtime story. However, it is too intricate to be one. Thus, this story can be enjoyed by older kids.

As a lover of storybooks, I was thrilled to read this one, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. One character that particularly resonated with me was Lorelai. Despite the challenges she has faced, she continues to lead a content life. I can only imagine the strength and resilience it takes to live her life. She is truly an inspiring figure.

My only complaint about the book is that it contains too many errors. It needs thorough, professional editing. I loved everything else about this book. I am cutting one star for the errors, giving this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

******
The Girl Whose Mum Used to be a Mermaid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I am an avid reader. I typically read 1-2 books per week. I enjoy a wide array of genres including Sci Fi, Action/Thriller, and Historical Fiction.

As a geologist and christian, I also particularly enjoy books on science and faith.
User avatar
Stephen Christopher 1
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1797
Joined: 07 Feb 2023, 04:27
Favorite Book: The Book Thief
Currently Reading: The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio
Bookshelf Size: 241
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-stephen-christopher-1.html
Latest Review: Bless Your Heart by Susann Camus

Post by Stephen Christopher 1 »

So this is a book for older children, but what's the underlying message, and I'm with Adrian, how do mermaids fit into it all? I'm not a parent, so this book isn't for me, but I'm curious about these things.
User avatar
Kshitija Sonawane
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 586
Joined: 29 Oct 2023, 03:41
Currently Reading: symptomatic
Bookshelf Size: 38
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kshitija-sonawane.html
Latest Review: Symptomatic: Life of A Sickle Cell Carrier by Louise Rachael Mwape Miller

Post by Kshitija Sonawane »

Adrian Bouknight wrote: 26 Sep 2024, 20:01 Kshitija! This might be a strange question, but what does this book have to do with mermaids?

Anyway! Thank you for sharing. As a parent myself, it makes me reflect on the question of if I am being intentional, spending enough time with my own children, and my parents as well. We are never promised tomorrow, so its best not to live with regrets.

As always, I have really enjoyed your reviews! Thank you for sharing with us!
Sorry, I forgot to answer this. The story the mother tells her makes her feel like her mother is a mermaid. Is she really though? You can read the book and find out.
There are few things in life that can make me as happy as oily foods.
User avatar
Alissa Nesson
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 671
Joined: 11 Jul 2023, 09:41
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 56
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-alissa-nesson.html
Latest Review: The Date Farm by Jack Winnick

Post by Alissa Nesson »

This sounds like a fun story that may also be helpful for children who are having troubles of their own. I love children’s stories that have interesting enough plots to appeal to older children or even adults. I read one such story on here called “Not Fishy Enough” that I enjoyed immensely. Thanks for your review!
“Our lives become the stories that we weave.”
- Once On This Island
User avatar
Qwerty Writes
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 245
Joined: 12 Sep 2024, 11:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 38
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-qwerty-writes.html
Latest Review: Orinthia by Most Everyone

Post by Qwerty Writes »

It sounds childish but sweet to think of your mum as a mermaid! But I like the author's blend of wanting to bring children closer to their parents and nurture their relationship in this story. I do suspect it's something more for mature or older kids. Otherwise, the review was splendid and sweet! :oops:
User avatar
Sarah Vinchu
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 237
Joined: 28 Aug 2023, 02:30
Currently Reading: It's Hard to Be a Vampire
Bookshelf Size: 99
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sarah-vinchu.html
Latest Review: The Pursuit of Happiness by Paul Lucas Scott
Reading Device: 1400697484

Post by Sarah Vinchu »

Even I was drawn to the phrase "mermaid." The story appears to be quite calming. Indeed, a mother is always an angel to her daughters. This narrative undoubtedly deepens the link between parents and their children. Anyone who reads it will instill strong moral principles in children and give them the confidence they need to deal with their daily problems. Good job.
Post Reply

Return to “Children's Books”