Jan Brett, The Mermaid at the MAH

Bookshop Santa Cruz is thrilled to welcome Jan Brett for a special book talk and signing of her new book for children, The Mermaid, a striking under-the-sea version of Goldilocks as only Jan Brett could create. This event will be offsite at the MAH (Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History) and is open to the public. There will be a free, community art activity for children, cosponsored by the Santa Cruz Public Library. Purchase the book and receive a signing line voucher to have your copy of The Mermaid signed.
When Kiniro, a young mermaid, comes upon a gorgeous house made of seashells and coral, she is so curious that she goes inside. She's thrilled to find a just-right breakfast, pretty little chair, and, best of all, a comfy bed that rocks in the current. But when the Octopus family returns home, they are not happy to find that someone has been eating their food and breaking their things. Baby has the biggest shock when she finds the mermaid asleep in her bed. Luckily, shock turns to happiness when Kiniro gives her a thoughtful gift before escaping from the twenty-four arms coming her way.
Vibrant, intricate scenes of an underwater paradise transport this classic fairy tale to a magical setting inspired by the seas off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Chock full of fish and fauna and adventure, Kiniro's story will enchant readers of all ages.
With more than 34 million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation’s foremost illustrators of children’s books. As a child, she decided to be an illustrator and spent much of her time reading and drawing. As a student at the Boston Museum School, Jan spent many hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. Travel is also a constant inspiration, so with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, she visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts.
”In this dazzling remix, Brett sets “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” under the sea. The bears turn into octopuses, dressed in the straw hats and indigo-dyed coats of rural Japan, and Goldilocks becomes Kiniro, a mermaid with black hair and golden scales (“kin-iro” is Japanese for gold). . . Brett’s brightly colored, highly detailed art shines in this aquatic setting as she embellishes the octopuses’ dwelling with shells, coral, and tropical fish that swim in and out of the windows. . . Brett’s fans will rejoice, and she’ll make new ones, too.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“In an aquatic version of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” Kiniro, the beautiful mermaid, is intrigued by the mystique and beauty of [a] little seashell house. [. . . .] Not only is this fractured fairy tale a delight to read, there is also an adorable side story skillfully told in the border art as only Brett can. Set in the waters off of the coast of Okinawa, this colorful picture book is exquisite.”—School Library Journal
“[S]ure to please Brett’s fans.”—Kirkus