{"product_id":"sukey-and-the-mermaid-9780689807183","title":"Sukey and the Mermaid","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAward-Winning Mermaid Picture Book for Young Readers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA mermaid offers a young girl a magical escape in this lushly told and luminously illustrated Coretta Scott King Honor-winning picture book.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSukey's new step-pa is a mean, bossy man she calls \"Mister Hard-Times.\" He makes her work in his garden all day and Sukey's ma doesn't seem to care. One day, when her step-pa isn't looking, Sukey takes her chance to run away to her secret hiding place by the sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere, she meets Mama Jo, a beautiful black mermaid. Mama Jo's got a surprise for Sukey: a magical kingdom beneath the sea without time or pain. But there are also no people. Is it really better than the world above?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Parents and Educators Choose This Book\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Coretta Scott King Honor book combines rich storytelling with luminous illustrations to create an unforgettable reading experience. Written by critically acclaimed author Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by award-winning artist Brian Pinkney, this picture book addresses themes of family, resilience, and self-discovery in an age-appropriate way for children ages 4-8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for Bedtime Reading and Classroom Libraries\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe magical underwater setting and engaging narrative make this paperback edition ideal for bedtime stories, classroom read-alouds, and independent reading time. Young readers will connect with Sukey's journey as she navigates difficult family dynamics and discovers inner strength through her friendship with Mama Jo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRobert D. San Souci is the critically acclaimed author of many popular books for young people. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrian Pinkney has illustrated numerous acclaimed books for children, including \u003ci\u003eMartin Rising\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eIn Your Hands\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eOn the Ball\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eThe Faithful Friend\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eDuke Ellington\u003c\/i\u003e; and \u003ci\u003eIn the Time of the Drums\u003c\/i\u003e. His many awards include two Caldecott Honors, a Coretta Scott King Illustration Award, four Coretta Scott King Illustration Honors, and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. Brian lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and frequent collaborator, Andrea Davis Pinkney. Visit him at BrianPinkney.net.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aladdin Paperbacks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50680681988370,"sku":"9780689807183","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_3e417ed6-807d-4d6b-bbba-3a4eac5f746c.jpg?v=1734924008","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/sukey-and-the-mermaid-9780689807183","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}