Gertie the Mermaid’s Birthday Adventure
Written by Amanda Severn #GertieMermaid
I’ve always enjoyed writing and have literally written everything from short stories and poetry to blog posts and advertising copy. During last year’s lockdown I teamed up with Shoreham based illustrator Emilia Cornwell to complete my first children’s book, ‘Gertie the Mermaid’s Birthday Adventure’.
Our story is about a mischievous young mermaid who lives in a sea cave with her mumma somewhere near the wind turbines. Gertie the Mermaid has always been warned against going near the coastline in daylight. In fact Mumma mermaid has given Gertie a great long list of things to avoid if she’s to stay safe. Gertie, however, has different ideas and just can’t resist going against her Mumma’s good advice. Soon she is having the adventure of her life as she visits Brighton seafront before swimming along the coastline and into the River Adur. People on the footpath by the houseboats are amazed to see a mermaid in the river and set out to try and catch her. Determined to avoid capture Gertie dives beneath the waves only to find all manner of rubbish on the riverbed. Eventually she makes her escape back out into the open sea, but even there, danger still awaits…..
Emilia’s illustrations are full of humour and include easily recognizable versions of iconic local landmarks including the Adur Ferry Bridge, the wind turbines, Kingston Beach lighthouse and lifeboat station, and Brighton Pier. The pictures perfectly compliment a lively local tale that will delight young children and adults alike.
‘Gertie the Mermaid’s Birthday Adventure is published by Troubador and is available on line from Gertie the Mermaid’s facebook page or Gertiemermaid’s Instagram page. Alternatively it can be ordered direct from the publisher or bought from local stockists including City Books in Western Road, Brighton. The cover price is £8.95.
More copy…
Are you a charity, trader or local to Shoreham-By-Sea? Do you have a story to tell about our wonderful town? #EnjoyShorehamBySea are looking for contributors so if you wanna get published online please contact us today.
