A Comb of Wishes

In the middle-grade novel "Mermaid Tears," a grieving girl finds a vengeful mermaid's comb and makes a wish for her mother to be alive, but the price is high. The book is praised by Newbery-winning author Kelly Barnhill as "one of the most promising works of fiction in a long time."

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Set against the captivating backdrop of Caribbean folklore, Lisa Stringfellows mesmerizing middle grade debut unfolds a tale of sorrow and retribution, where the boundaries between human and aquatic realms blur. This enchanting story will captivate readers who have been enchanted by the works of Kacen Callender, such as Hurricane Child, or Christian McKay Heidickers, Scary Stories for Young Foxes.

Ever since the untimely passing of her mother, Kela has carried the weight of her grief, feeling as shattered as the glistening "mermaid tears" that grace the Caribbean shores of St. Rita. When Kela and her dear friend Lissy stumble upon an ancient-looking comb in a hidden coral cave, amidst the depths of her already-felt loss, Kela cannot resist the temptation to bring this newfound treasure home.

Meanwhile, far away, deep within the frigid ocean, the mermaid Ophidia senses the theft of her comb. Despite her deep-seated hatred for humans, her magical powers demand that she strike a bargain: the comb in exchange for a single wish. However, Kela's deepest desire is to bring her mother back to life. Such a monumental wish comes with an even greater price to pay…

Prepare to be transported to a world where magic and myth intertwine, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs, and where the consequences of one's desires are as profound as the ocean itself. Lisa Stringfellows' debut novel promises to be a captivating and unforgettable journey, one that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this enchanting series.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 148 x 218 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063043435