Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Science is all around you.

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube, Mermaid Science, by Lois Wickstrom, is part of an interesting series of books that help the readers see that science is all around them, not just in a classroom. Kids of all ages will get excited about learning science from everyday objects. The illustrations are beautifully rendered, with fun colors and scenes. This is a fast read that can lead to a fun learning experience by talking about and recreating things the characters did in the book.
Maia and Fig are having a picnic when Trezzie, the mermaid, shows up. Trezzie loves the way the ice cubes sparkle and asks them to make her a necklace out of them. As they do they talk about all kinds of things about ice, water, and how it changes forms and melts. When Maia gives Trezzie the necklace, Fig (who can’t see Trezzie because she doesn’t believe in mermaids) sees the necklace floating in the water and decides to jump in after it. As she’s swimming for the necklace she has a leg cramp, will the mermaid she can’t see save her?
I found this to be a great way to open up a discussion on water safety with the readers. The author has not only brought science to everyday life, but the need to believe in things, and also how it’s important to be safe and think before you act. I think parents, teachers, and kids alike will love this book and learn from it. The last page goes into more scientific details about water and all its forms, so even adults or older children can learn or refresh their knowledge.

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