The Selkie's Mate

by Nicola Davies

Overview

In a land where people flow between ocean and land, a seal and a fisherman sing together under a flowing moon. One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine. - Lyrical text is enhanced by evocative watercolour illustrations in this heart-wrenching tale of love, loss and trust. Inspired by Selkie legends from around the world, this haunting story is part of the Shadows and Light series, ideal for mature readers who are looking for something a bit different.' BookTrust's Watery Reads for 8-12s - This is a delicate story, and in the wrong hands may be experienced as a rape and false imprisonment story. However, here is it sensitively told, with the seal woman choosing to spend time with the crofter after they have sung together under the moon. [...] The emphasis on the thoughts behind each of their actions could be used in a discussion about relationships, how people have different expectations and how far do we allow our own needs and wants to dominate relationships. The illustrations are elegant watercolours, complementing the storytelling. The stand out one for me is of two silhouette heads, placed so that they are almost heart shaped, yet looking in different directions. Pulled together by love, but their outlooks are very different.' Janet Dowling, School Library Association (65:3, Nov 2017)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912050154
Publisher:	Graffeg
Publication date:	04/19/2020
Series:	Shadows & Light , #3
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Nicola Davies is an award-winning author, whose many books for children include The Promise (Green Earth Book Award 2015, Greenaway Shortlist 2015), Tiny (AAAS Subaru Prize 2015), A First Book of Nature, Whale Boy (Blue Peter Award Shortlist 2014), and the Heroes of the Wild Series (Portsmouth Book Prize 2014). She graduated in zoology, studied whales and bats and then worked for the BBC Natural History Unit. Underlying all Nicola's writing is the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being, and that now, more than ever, we need to renew that relationship.

Editorial Reviews

"A solid addition to folktale collections." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

10/01/2017
Gr 3–5—On an island lives a crofter who loves the sea and a selkie who is drawn to him by his lonely songs. The two sing together night after night, until the seal disappears. She comes to him the next day in her human form and gives him her selkie skin, requesting he promise to keep it safe and return it when she asks. The two live happily together for seven years, raising two children, until the day the selkie asks for her skin back and the crofter delays, hoping to ply her instead with gifts. Three times she asks, and three times he refuses, unable to understand why she wants her skin back. They continue to live together, but now without joy or love. As in many selkie stories, it is the children who discover the location of the skin, and their mother is able to return to the sea. Only then does the crofter finally understand his betrayal. This slim volume is part of series of short stories by Davies, an author and zoologist, exploring humanity's connection with nature. She presents the haunting story of betrayed trust and loss in accessible language that would also be suitable for a read-aloud in folklore units. The text is complemented by excellent pencil and watercolor illustrations that vary in size and include rich full-page spreads from debut illustrator Jenkins. VERDICT A solid addition to folktale collections.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

School Library Journal