The Little Mermaid

I am a children’s care giver and collect Jerry Pinkney’s work. With each book I claim this is his best work ever. When children are not readers, Mr. Pinckney’s work calls to them through his art. The stories may be classic and appropriate at the time they were created, long ago but Mr. Pinkney revises them to be empowering now. For example, the original story involves the Little Mermaid leaving her family to get married at a very young age. In A NoteFrom The Artist, Mr. Pinkney writes, “...changing the romance to friendship...”, “...I wanted our heroine to realize the power of her voice and embrace her strength, and bring the story full circle back to family.” I strongly recommend this book.

This is a phenomenal book. So well written it entertains readers of all ages, and such a helpful interpretation of a classic story. My 4-year old daughter loves the movie but I enjoy introducing her to a slightly different narrative more focused on friendship. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, and it is a perfect gift.

I’m on a quest to collect each book illustrated by this talented artist and writer. May he rest in power.

I'm a huge Jerry Pinkney fan. I've slowly been collecting as many of his books as I can get my hands on. His illustrations are gorgeous, and his source of subject matter is typically classical and timeless. I had recently been reading my children the complete original tales of Hans Christian Andersen, and was blown away by the original little mermaid. ORIGINAL STORY SPOILER ALERT: The little mermaid was less interested in a husband, than she was in obtaining an immortal soul. Apparently mermaids lived for 300 years and didn't have souls. She wanted one, and getting a human to love her that deeply was the way. However, she failed! She died! But due to her bravery and other fine qualities (I won't go into all the nuance of the plot), she became a wind and was given another chance to obtain a soul. Oh my goodness! So when I saw Mr. Pinkney was illustrating this tale I had high hopes that he would be taking on the original, as he has in so many of his lovely works. Sadly no. It's not the disney version, but it isn't the original either. Not even close. 5 stars for the lovely illustrations, 1 star for the story.