Mermaid Academy: Harper and Splash

By Author / Illustrator

Julie Sykes, Linda Chapman, Lucy Truman

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

Publisher

Nosy Crow

ISBN

9781805132295

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-08-2024

Synopsis

Mermazing action-packed underwater adventures for young readers. Beautifully illustrated throughout and with a glittery cover! From the authors and illustrator of the bestselling Unicorn Academy series.

Hidden deep beneath the waves is Mermaid Academy, a magical school where mermaids are paired with their very own dolphin and must discover their unique mermaid magic, with plenty of adventure along the way!

Impulsive Harper and her fun-loving dolphin, Splash, are always looking for adventure. When a search for an ancient turtle leads them to the Mangrove Swamps, Harper and Splash's actions put everyone in danger. Can Harper find her magic in time to save their friends?

Mermaid Academy is the perfect series for 7+ readers who love magic and adventure. Look out for more titles! Isla and Bubble, Cora and Sparkle, Maya and Rainbow, Amber and Flash and Millie and Storm.

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Reviews

Natalie J

Mermaid Academy: Harper and Splash is the sixth installment in the Mermaid Academy series created by those behind Unicorn Academy. These standalone books focus on one particular mermaid and her dolphin but also refer to past events; this title mentions incidents from the fifth book, Millie and Storm, so beware if you read them in the wrong order; you may encounter spoilers.

After being told that they are going on a fieldtrip to the highly dangerous mangrove swamps, Harper is very excited, but despite her determination to concentrate and not play pranks, she is constantly in danger of losing her place on the trip. Relieved to be going, Harper tries even harder to listen to her teacher, but still manages to get distracted. After wandering too far she and Splash are in danger from the harsh environment but also the sinister Mal Mer, who appeared in book five, as they stumble upon their plot to hypnotise and capture sea creatures, particularly an ancient turtle.

As with the previous title, and I presume throughout the series, the mermaid learns something about herself throughout her adventure and by the story's conclusion has changed for the better. Thus, Harper makes a resolution to listen better, concentrate more, and think before she does something. With the inclusion of little life lessons, good characters, humour, and interesting, exciting adventures, this is a lovely series of early chapter books.

112 books / Reviewed by Natalie J McChrystal Plimmer