These days, everything can feel so mundane. Public spaces are closed, there have been fewer opportunities to socialize with friends, and social distancing and quarantines mean some of us might be going a little stir-crazy. While the circumstances might be just a little different for half-girl, half-mermaid Emily Windsnap, the boredom is all too real for her after she returns to her hometown of Brightport in Emily Windsnap and the Tides of Time.
Readers have had almost two decades to follow the adventures of British author Liz Kessler’s fantasy heroine, who lives on a boat with her mother until she realizes that she sprouts a tail when diving underwater.
The semi-mer teen has embarked on supernatural adventures filled with sirens, krakens, and forgotten islands, but has struggled with all-too-real issues like an absentee parent, or self-doubt. So while Emily has her fair share of whimsy and fun, Kessler’s series doesn’t shy away from exploring things that are of real concern to coming-of-age tweens.
Emily latest adventure sees both a lack of excitement and an identity crisis. After returning to Brightport following her adventures on a pirate ship, her daily life seems almost dull by comparison. To make matters worse, things are awkward with her best friends Mandy and Shona. But when she receives a magical wishing stone, she hopes to improve things with her friends.
However, her wish gives her a glimpse into a future that might not be to her liking. With each successive wish, Emily sees a different possible path that could turn out poorly for either humankind, or for the merfolk. Caught between worlds, Emily finds herself with just one wish left to create the best possible outcome for her two people.
Kessler’s latest book (the ninth publication of Emily’s adventures) is perfect reading for our time. Emily’s underseas exploits provide plenty of adventure and escapism, but Kessler’s focus also spends plenty of time on unity. In a divisive global climate, Emily is the perfect role model as she strives to bring together two disparate groups: the humans of Brightport, and the merfolk of Shiprock.
It’s to Kessler’s credit that she trusts her young readers to follow along with what some might deem heavy topics. But the important ramifications of Emily’s journey don’t overshadow the underwater magic of the world Kessler has created. In Emily Windsnap and the Tides of Time, count on Emily and her friends to take us on another mystical and ultimately uplifting ride beneath the waves.
Thank you to Cotton Tails, the place to find unique children's clothing and shoes, located in the Laurelwood Shopping Center, and Literacy Mid-South for sponsoring this children’s book review! Learn more about the various programs offered by Literacy Mid-South by visiting their site literacymidsouth.org and following them on Facebook and Instagram @literacymidsouth.