I am very glad to recommend this absolute gem

Fiona Noble, The Bookseller, Book of the Month

A dark, quirky fairy tale of a story - beautifully written and beautifully translated too. A free, fresh narrative style expertly combined with classic storytelling. I loved it

Lucy Strange, author of Our Castle by the Sea

I was swept away in a sea foam storm by the spectacular Lampie and the Children of the Sea... What a treasure trove of a book

Hilary McKay author of 'The Skylarks' War'

A fairy story with as many twists as a mermaid's tail - both dark-edged and charming. You won't be able to put it down

Julia Golding, author of The Diamond of Drury Lane

Terrific. Deeply moving, yet never sentimental. It unfolds beautifully, with all the wonder and magic of the best fairy stories

Tania Unsworth, author of The Girl Who Thought Her Mother Was a Mermaid

It's a gripping and magical adventure, rich in fairytale elements

- Daniel Hahn, Books for Keeps, Books of the Year

A mesmeric tale of fierce friendships and loyalty. So good it reads like folklore. A beautiful, captivating tale

Emma Carroll, author of 'Letters from the Lighthouse'

These pages are full of crashing waves, rocky beaches, pirates and mermaids. Once I picked the book up, I didn't set it down until I finished it with tears in my eyes, perhaps because it called to mind two beloved books from my own childhood: The Secret Garden and Treasure Island

- Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child, in the New York Times,

An astonishing, mysterious seaswept story... Dazzles with darkness and glitters with light

Cerrie Burnell, author of Harper and the Sea of Secrets

Mermaids, pirates and fierce fights for freedom combine in a fast-paced fairytale

Guardian

An absolute delight... I just couldn't help but sit and read this from cover to cover in one sitting!

Independent Book Reviews

Such a marvellous story! One of those far too rare, perfect children's books

Bookwitch

Truly atmospheric and original stuff... Who can possibly resist the lure of a book so entangled and entwined with a love of the ocean. This is beautifully told and realised

ReaditDaddy

The writing is atmospheric and lyrical, drawing on the traditions of storytelling and folklore and the illustrations are delightful. Essential reading for those who enjoy something a little different

North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award Blog

A salty and exhilarating fairy-tale adventure... highly recommended

School Librarian Association

A beautifully written fantasy book with echoes of The Secret Gardenabout mermaids, grief and forgiveness

Angels and Urchins

A spectacular debut... A fantastic book... Guaranteed pleasure

Trouw

Compelling, magical, moving: Annet Schaap's stunning debut has all of these qualities... A reading experience that no one over the age of ten should be denied

***** De Morgen

A grand and gripping fairy-tale adventure... Not only has Annet Schaap succeeded in constructing a captivating adventure that you will read in one sitting, she has also shown herself to be a writer with a touching, real story to tell

NRC Handelsblad

Some writers of children's books understand the art of creating characters that instantly capture your heart. Annet Schaap has succeeded in doing exactly this

De Standaard

There is tension, excitement and humour... A great story, which draws the reader in, and the characters are a delight, especially Lampie

Books for Keeps

A magical adventure

The Week Junior

Sends an inspiring message of positivity and encouragement to those who fear failure or feel they are "different" and don't fit in

The Week Independent Schools Guide