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Laura is a retired educator, wife, mom, "Lola" and now author! Laura obtained her Masters of Education from the University of Cincinnati, and teaching for almost two decades set the stage for her debut children's book, "Pickles the Mermaid." This story was inspired by her grand-niece, Margaret, whose joy and imagination while playing with her toy mermaid in the swimming pool - and naming her mermaid "Pickles" - brought laughter and a spark of creativity that led to this story. Laura is also inspired by her son Will, who was bullied throughout grade school. Through his strength and resilience, he rose above the experience and learned to stand up for himself and believe in his unique abilities. A recent move to the beautiful hills of Pennsboro, West Virginia, from Cincinnati, Ohio (where she was born and raised) allows her more time in nature with her retired sled dogs, Mistral and Sila. She also finds inspiration in yoga, hiking, tennis, and travel. She believes there is magic in this story, but her hope is for children and adults alike to remember that the true magic within all of us is to believe in ourselves!
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Pickles the Mermaid by Laura Strachan is a children's picture book that follows the story of its titular mermaid, Pickles, who loves eating pickles and enjoys spreading joy by asking her sea friends if they would like a "tickle or a pickle." However, she faces ridicule from another character named Rainy, who mocks Pickles' name and behavior. Feeling hurt, Pickles embarks on a journey to find a magical singing conch shell, guided by a range of unique sea creatures, including a starfish and a shark. Along the way, Pickles learns about overcoming fear and understanding the pain behind others' actions. When she returns home, Pickles faces Rainy once again but confidently shares the magic of the conch shell, leading to reconciliation and a pickle party with all of her friends.
Pickles the Mermaid by Laura Strachan is a delightful, heartwarming story that captures the imagination with its quirky protagonist and colorful underwater world. The whimsical idea of a pickle-loving mermaid is incredibly charming, and the story offers a wonderful lesson in kindness and self-acceptance. My youngest reader adored Pickles’ joyful personality, while the gorgeous illustrations by Michelle Simpson bring the mermaids and their ocean home to life in a striking array of jewel tones. The diversity of the mermaids, both in appearance and personality, adds a refreshing layer to the traditional mermaid tale. I liked that the mermaids are depicted in a way I've not seen before, with more physically aquatic features, creating a truly distinctive visual experience. This book is a wonderful mix of fun and meaningful moments, making it a perfect read for young children learning about empathy, friendship, and the power of staying true to oneself. Very highly recommended.
