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Jan has had a lasting passion for literature, particularly fantasy, and has taught writing and literature at both the secondary and college level. She has worked as a technical writer and editor for the Naval Department of Defense, as a journalist for her community newspaper, and as a grant writer for social services. She has always lived near the sea with her family and her favorite horse, Caleb, formerly in Newport, Rhode Island, and currently in the low country of South Carolina.
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
The Lost Mermaid: Return to the Raspberry Kingdom, written by Jan DiRuzzo and illustrated by Dave Sullins, is the story of a journey a mermaid makes back home. Lily is planning to return home to Raspberry Kingdom in Raspberry Bay and, although she is sad to leave her friends and they are sad that she is leaving, she knows she needs to go home. Lily’s mom and dad and some friends decide to go with her and help her to find the way there. Although they know the currents and the paths to take, they still encounter some challenges and difficulties along the way. However, Lily handles these challenges well, including being kind to someone whom others fear and do not seem to care for, and there is a happy ending for everyone!
Mermaids are such fascinating, magical and beautiful creatures and I enjoy reading and watching things about them just as much as my daughter. Jan DiRuzzo’s children’s book, The Lost Mermaid: Return to the Raspberry Kingdom, was no exception. This was a well-written story with great lessons throughout and I enjoyed reading this with my daughter. It was a great story, but it also allowed for good discussions as far as how Lily was a good friend and the choices she made. The illustrations for this book are done by Dave Sullins and they are absolutely gorgeous. The illustrations are beautiful, full of detail and go perfectly with the story. This is a must-read for girls who love mermaids!
