Based on the true story of Annette Kellerman, who made a big splash in her time as both an athlete and a swimming fashionista, Mermaid Queen seeks to inspire young girls to follow their own dreams by presenting them with a lovable, spunky heroine who overcame physical handicaps to become a famous, world-class performer. As a child, Annette was hardly able to walk, but found freedom to really move once her father taught her how to swim. The water became a place for her to mimic the beautiful dancers she saw her parents teaching everyday in her home, and eventually she found a way to combine her two greatest loves: she created water ballet. She was also a leader in the evolution of present day bathing suits for women, as her costumes created quite a stir. Kellerman was arrested and defended herself in court and other women began to realize that there were other options to heavy bathing dresses.
Kellerman’s story is a wonderful example of overcoming obstacles and following your passion. She never allowed herself to be held back by physical limitations or public criticism, and this was a great benefit to many women of her time and beyond.
Colorful and splashy illustrations by Edwin Fortheringham will make readers’ hearts dip, dive, swirl and twirl along with the free spirit that Kellerman is shown to be. A final two- page spread vividly chronicles what bathing attire looked like before and after the Mermaid Queen’s illustrious reign. It’s an amusing glimpse of the historical evolution of bathing suits. In the end, you will never again take the bikini for granted.
Mermaid Queen: A Book Review
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