Mermaid Queen. Written by Shana Corey, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham.
About: Annette Kellerman lived in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th century. She learnt to swim when sports were unseemly for women, invented water ballet, and eventually became an international swimming star of sea, stage, pool and, as time went on, movies. In the process she designed her own swimming suits, challenged US law and became part of fashion history as well. She’s one of those once-household-names that’s been forgotten this many decades on. She’s great to read about. Her story is told simply, it’s easy to follow, and there are solid author’s notes at the back of the book that you can use to look up or go into more detail on some of the events in her story.
Good things:
- Female athlete
- Bravery, courage and persistence
- Success story
- Vividly and rhythmically illustrated with hints of Art Nouveau styling
- Advocate for women’s health and dress reform
- Shows cultural change
- Great author’s notes
