But those of us who are only young at heart will be able to live out their childhood fantasies very soon - as there are plans to let adults in on the underwater adventure. Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12...

On her first day, Marnie is upset when she gets told off after a sea snake comes out of her bag and blames her aunt for pranking her. She then gets told off in her music lesson when the other children think she is showing off. The teacher gives her a warning and tells her so won’t tolerate another member of the Blue family behaving in an unruly manner. Marnie’s mum was a good girl who only ever got in trouble once and behaved herself. However, her aunt was always up to something and didn’t believe in rules. Marnie is unsure what people will think of her, especially with a famous aunt. Plus she doesn’t know anyone at the school and is scared she won’t make friends. The whole story has a satisfying ending and a fun twist in the very last chapter, which although I did predict, may not be spotted by younger readers, and it certainly does make me want to read more about one character in particular (though I don’t know if we will in future books). The story of what happens to Marnie and how the whole book ends is very good and I like the way that Marnie thinks and acts towards everyone, and I like the message of friendship and being nice to others regardless of what may happen. Dapo Adeola, Tracy Darnton, Joseph Coelho and Chitra Soundar are among the 19 authors and illustrators longlisted for the Inclusive Books for Child...Author Anna Kemp introduces The Hollow Hills, the sequel to her dark magical tale, Into Goblyn Wood. I wanted to create a community where people who shared the same interests could come together,” Syrena says, who’s also a mermaid performer otherwise known as Cara Nicole Neo. I still love to read and to travel. And I love stories: reading them, writing them, telling them, seeing them on stage. Though only a few months old, and with a handful of students, Syrena is hoping her school will spread the love. One of my favorite volunteer positions was serving as the Regional Advisor for the San Francisco and South area of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

The only merman in the group, Nigel says, “You go into a state of mind where you can be whatever you want to be… so you feel accepted and you feel loved part of a big community.” I can't believe it's time to go. / How can the day be done? / The hours here have just flown by, / 'Cause Mermaid School is fun!" I grew up as an Air Force brat. I’ve lived in 11 states NY, SC, PA, AZ, WA, VA, NJ, AK, DE, CT, CA and on the Greek island of Crete. Wherever we moved, my parents looked for a house near the library and I soon found all my old friends on its shelves.This really has been a lovely read and I’m so excited to hear that this is the first in a series of ‘Mermaid School’ books. I really can’t wait for more and would recommend this book for anyone interested. Mermaid School perhaps is a little formulaic but it is a formula that works very well for its target audience of girls around the age of eight. It is well written and the text is beautifully balanced out with well-chosen illustrations.... Read Full Review

Outlander star Sam Heughan reveals reunion episode was difficult to film because of fan expectation Bestselling author Alexandra Christo, author of TikTok sensation To Kill a Kingdom, introduces her new book, The Night Hunt (Hot Key Books), a dark... You have kind of consciously not be bending your knees, or powering yourself from the wrong part of your body – that was the hardest part,” says Natalie, who describes herself as an average swimmer. One of my favorite jobs was as a children’s librarian at the Redwood City Public Library. That’s where I began The Traveling Storytime, which sends volunteers to read to preschool children in day care facilities. So far the volunteers have made over 250,000 child visits. Kids need to be comfortable in the water. All aspiring mermaids and mermen must pass a Water Competency Test to participate in the class.

LoveReading4Kids Says

Magical female figures first appear in cave paintings in the late Paleolithic (Stone Age) period some 30,000 years ago, when modern humans gained dominion over the land and, presumably, began to sail the seas,” the NOAA said.

Many of the jobs I’ve held have involved writing. I’ve worked in public relations, as a marketing writer for a student travel organization, and as a columnist for Gentry magazine. I’ve also taught on the elementary, high school and college level. Ninety minutes in the pool wearing my tail was tougher than any workout I’ve ever endured and by the end I was exhausted.If you could just put up your right fin…” Syrena prompts, as she leads us through the mermaid school pledge. Welcome to Southern California, where professional mermaids aren’t just party performers. At this mermaid school, many of the talented swimmers have actually been hired for film and print productions. Founded under the belief that it’s “important to help people to achieve their dreams” and partnered with event company Sheroes Entertainment, the LA Mermaid School offers certifications for mermaids of all ages and levels. ​This is some serious mermaiding: All of the school’s teachings are based on the input of lifeguards, SCUBA instructors, and top-ranked mermaid entertainers—and many of the classes are geared for those who want to move on to become professional mermaids for TV, print, and film. For kids ages 8 and up, hourlong classes are taught by professional Hollywood mermaids and include tail-on and tail-off drills and skills; group mermaid games and a chance to just test out your skills. Once you learn to see your own inner beauty and learn to love yourself, then you have a responsibility to extend that love to the community around you. Mermaid School by Lucy Courtenay is a charming new short chapter book which will appeal to fans of Rainbow Magic. Marnie Blue, our young mermaid heroine, is starting mermaid school and is full of worries, will she make a good impression, will she have to ride the terrifying sea horses but mainly what will everyone think when they find out her aunt is the famous singer and DJ Christabel Blue. Like all good school stories, there are scary teachers, a mean girl, adventures and lessons learnt about the importance of being true to oneself and the importance of good friends.