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Jan DiRuzzo has had a lasting passion for literature and particularly fantasy and is a graduate of the University of RI and RI College. She has taught writing and literature at both the secondary and college level and has worked as a technical writer for the Naval Department of Defense. Jan has always lived near the sea with her family and favorite horses, formerly in Newport, RI and now in Charleston, SC. While kayaking with the dolphins along Shem Creek, she became inspired by the diversity of life both on and off shore and has woven these themes together to share with young readers. Jan's first book, The Lost Mermaid: A Shem Creek Moonlight Jamboree, was selected as a 2014 Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Award competition, Children's Picture Book category for all ages. The sequel, The Lost Mermaid: Return to the Raspberry Kingdom, was the 2014 Winner in the National Indie Excellence Awards category, Children's Motivational/Inspirational Literature.
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
I just know young readers are going to love the story of The Lost Mermaid. This delightful book is written by Jan DiRuzzo and tells an entertaining tale of a mermaid named Lily. Lily got separated from her family, and is all alone in an unfamiliar part of the sea. She asks a group of clams if they know where her family is, but they are afraid of her and “clam up,” slamming their shells on her. Lily asks a school of fish swimming by, but they are also scared and hastily swim away. Poor Lily doesn’t look like other sea creature, and that is what frightens everyone whenever she asks for help.
I was very impressed when I read this book. Jan DiRuzzo obviously has a flair for creating stories to attract younger kids. The Lost Mermaid is creative with a good plot and lovable characters. One can’t help but like Lily, and understand why she is so sad. The author’s writing skills are wonderful, as she was able to write a lovely story that included a valuable lesson both kids and adults can learn from. I thought the story was cleverly written with its fun, upbeat rhyming structure of presentation. The illustrations are awesome. The vibrant colours of the book cover and characters were beautifully created and nicely complemented the story. It is eye catching and makes the book even more appealing.
