MY COUSIN'S MERMAID

Natalia and her mom are returning to Warsaw, Poland, to visit Natalia’s aunt and cousin Karolina.

Natalia feels uncertain, given her lack of confidence speaking Polish, and initially struggles to connect with Karolina. However, the two girls soon bond over a shared love of storytelling and mermaids as they stroll through the city. Karolina points out the statue of the Syrenka Warszawska, the Mermaid of Warsaw, who’s said to protect the city’s residents. Worried, Natalia asks if the mermaid will protect her, too (“I’m not really Polish,” she says, presumably because she lives elsewhere), but Karolina’s affirming response is a touching reminder that visits to a family’s country of origin can be an important, empowering experience. Poklewska-Kozietto highlights the beauty of Warsaw’s architecture and apartment living with incredible details such as beautiful wrought-iron balconies, houseplants, and fountains. The bright colors pop, especially when depicting a range of building types and varied textures. The characters are drawn with delightful rosy-circled cheeks; almost all are light-skinned, including Natalia and Karolina. Polish phrases are interspersed throughout with on-the-page phonetic pronunciations and English translations, making this an accessible text for non-Polish speakers. The backmatter includes useful and engaging information on Poland, its language, its landmarks, and its folklore. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A reassuring and warm tale of family connections.