Mermaid's Gift, The - Hardcover

Claudia McAdam

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1455621080 ISBN 13: 9781455621088

Publisher: Pelican Publishing Co. (US), 2015

Synopsis

Long ago, on the tiny Venetian island of Burano, the villagers were starving. Brave Gianni sets out into the icy lagoon to catch fish to feed his people, leaving his fiancee Nicoletta to pray for his safe return. Gianni tries to catch fish for hours, but his net comes up empty every time. A sudden storm sweeps across the lagoon, washing Gianni overboard. He struggles to stay afloat. All hope seems lost until a beautiful mermaid appears in front of Gianni, bearing a gift that will change the lives of the people of Burano forever. This story is a beautiful adaptation of the Italian folktale of how Burano began crafting its famous lace. Rich, intricate illustrations by noted illustrator Traci Van Wagoner complement the delicate tale. Readers young and old will appreciate the resourcefulness and devotion of Gianni and Nicoletta in this title, destined to be a classic.

About this title

Product Description:

Out of a bitter storm comes a gift that saves a village. In this adaptation of an Italian folktale, the young fisherman Gianni braves the thawing, ice-bound lagoon of Burano to catch fish to feed the starving people of his island. His fiancée, Nicoletta, prays for his safety. Gianni, swept from his fishing boat, is rescued by a mermaid who whips the water into a length of elegant lace, which she gives to Gianni for Nicoletta's wedding veil. This gorgeously illustrated tale recounts the mythical origins of Burano lace, whose production has long been a vital part of the island's economy and vibrant culture, ensuring the islanders would never go hungry. The lace is still famed throughout the world for its scalloped, wave-like patterns.

About the Author:

Claudia Cangilla McAdam is the award-winning author of more than sixteen titles for children and young adults. She earned her bachelor's degree in English from Illinois State University and master's in theology from the Augustine Institute. McAdam's writing--fiction and nonfiction--has been published in Highlights for Children, Fortune, Denver Parent, Catholic Digest, and many other publications. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and lives with her family in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Traci Van Wagoner earned bachelor of fine arts degrees in illustration and advertising design from Utah State University and in toy design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. In addition to book illustration, Van Wagoner writes, designs toys and characters, and paints portraits. She is a long-standing member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Van Wagoner lives in New York City, where she and her husband run their product development company, Imagine That! Design.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Co. (US)
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1455621080
• ISBN 13: 9781455621088
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32