Mermaid Marina By circusmama on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
Mermaid Marina by Lesley Rees, is an attractive board book, filled with whimsical sparkly illustrations. It's intended for children aged three to six. It's one in a series of four books.
While the pictures are attractive, the story is terrible. Marina is a mermaid, who gets ready for a party where everyone is amazed at how pretty she looks. The story itself is poorly written. The values expressed - basically, that your worth comes from how pretty you look and others will like you because you're pretty - are ones that I don't want my daughter to hold. This book encourages judging others and yourself based only on appearance.
While the illustrations are pretty, if you get this book or receive it on accident, just don't read it. Make up your own words. I'm glad I got it at a garage sale; I don't feel too badly about throwing it into the garbage, where tripe like this belongs.
About The Author:
Barnes and Noble Mermaid Marina Purchased at: Garage Sale Price: .50
Wow - you pull no punches! I admire that!
OMG, definately not a good message to be sending our little ones!
Wow I'm surprised they would put out a book that sends a message like this. I think it might be something nice to read once, and just once, then forget about it. I like your idea of creating your own storyline with it, that is very creative. :o)
I'm so disappointed in the message of this book-I think it is so creative that you make up your own story!! Thank goodness you only paid 50 cents for it!!
I am so surprised that a book like that was published. Reminds me of all the 'A woman's place is in the home' social norms of the 40s, 50s and 60s. I'm glad you are creative and decide to make up your own stories to the beatiful pictures in the book.
I'm surprised that someone published a book with this kind of message too. You're lucky that you picked it up at a garage sale. My kids love to look at the pictures in the book and don't worry too much about the words, so making up a story sounds great. Watch out when they start reading though, mine will correct any mistake I make when reading them a book!
Thanks so much for the warning about this book. I really hate that a book is out that sends that message.
It's amazing some of the philosophies that seem to end up in books for kids. Thanks for being a mom who pays attention to that sort of thing!