This non-fiction text explores the many folklore and tales of mermaids throughout history and compares several aspects between different historical groups. For example, a page may be dedicated to types of mermaid tales, and the author compares the different descriptions or illustrations of mermaid tales across time periods and groups. There is a surprising amount of information available about mermaids, and this is a fairly long text. There are lots of illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand the ideas. All of the female mermaids have their chests covered, though occasionally only by their hair. There is a significant amount of text on a page, and the text is quite small, but is organized into smaller text boxes. I think that the amount of information on the page is a little bit too much at times and may be a bit overwhelming to younger or struggling readers, but the pictures are interesting enough that readers may enjoy just looking at the pictures as well. As a grade 3 teacher, I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the 7-12 age range, especially those already interested in mermaids and stories through history. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

This is a gorgeous book detailing the world of Mermaids. The illustrations are beautiful and the layout and graphics of the book are so lovely. The book compiles all information involving mermaids from folklore, ancient beliefs, anatomy of merfolk, habitat, life cycle, and more. Each page is filled with tons of information which serves more as a reference guide than storybook. Children who enjoy mermaids and sea life will be captivated by this text! It's really beautiful.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for letting me preview a copy of the ebook.

"The Folklore Field Guides series is a charming collection of beautifully illustrated handbooks on topics of lore and legend. Fascinating facts are accompanied by breathtaking illustrations, all presented in an engaging narrative form."

This sentiment is especially true of the newest installment, A Natural History of Mermaids by Emily Dawkins. A wonderful mix of real facts and stories of lore, this book is a wonderful book perfect for fourth-fifth grade level readers.

This was a fantastic book on mermaids! So much info about merfolk that I had no clue about. My favorite page is all the different merfolk tails...who knew. This would be a great gift for a lover of merfolk no matter their age :)
Thank you NetGalley!

Thank you to netgalley for an arc copy of this book. I already own A Natural History of Fairies which is absolutely stunning and enchanting.✨🧚🏻‍♀️ 🌿

A few months ago I seen there was going to be another book published but about Mermaids and I knew straight away I needed to pre-order this gem. 💎
I’m so happy I did because I just read through this breathtaking arc and am awestruck by the illustrations, facts and history. This book is so elegant and feels like an undersea fantasy.

I can’t wait to share this book with my young daughters.
🤍🧜‍♀️🌊

A very comprehensive look and mermaids. My daughter liked the pictures but there was so much information. In the digital format it was a bit jumbled and hard for her to focus on just one page. I think this will be great in a print copy!

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Pub day: 9-6-2022