Dive into the enchanting world of Emily Windsnap, where a splash of mermaid magic transforms an ordinary girl’s life into an extraordinary adventure! The Emily Windsnap series, a beloved children’s fantasy by British author Liz Kessler, follows a 12-year-old who discovers she’s half-human, half-mermaid. Since its debut in 2003, this New York Times best-selling series has captivated young readers with its blend of underwater escapades, heartfelt themes, and a celebration of embracing one’s unique identity.
With its vivid oceanic settings and relatable coming-of-age struggles, Emily Windsnap invites middle-grade readers to explore a world where shipwrecks are classrooms and Neptune rules the seas. Perfect for fans of fantasy and friendship, this series is a treasure trove of magic waiting to be explored.
How Emily Windsnap Began
The Emily Windsnap series began as a spark of inspiration from Liz Kessler’s love for the ocean. Living by the sea in Cornwall, England, Kessler crafted a poem about a girl with a secret, which an editor encouraged her to expand into a novel. The result was The Tail of Emily Windsnap in 2003, published by Orion Children’s Books in the UK and Candlewick Press in the US. Kessler’s passion for marine magic, combined with her background as a teacher and journalist, shaped a story that resonates with young readers navigating their own identities.
The Heart of Emily Windsnap
The series follows Emily, who lives on a houseboat with her mother and discovers her mermaid heritage during a school swim lesson. In The Tail of Emily Windsnap (2003), Emily embarks on a quest to find her missing merman father, uncovering family secrets and befriending mermaid Shona Silkfin. Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep (2004) sees her accidentally waking a kraken while trying to impress friends, blending humor with high-stakes adventure. In Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist (2006), Emily faces an ancient curse that threatens her dual identity, while Emily Windsnap and the Tides of Time (2020) takes her on a time-traveling mission to save her human and merfolk communities.
Kessler’s storytelling weaves themes of self-discovery, friendship, and courage, set against a vibrant underwater world of coral reefs and mermaid schools. The series’ light, engaging style balances whimsical fantasy with real-world emotions, like feeling caught between two worlds or reuniting with family. Emily’s journey reflects universal struggles, making her a relatable heroine for readers aged 8–12.
Why Emily Windsnap Resonates
With over five million copies sold worldwide and translations in 25 languages, Emily Windsnap has left a lasting mark on children’s fantasy. Its appeal lies in its empowering message: embrace what makes you different. Fans adore Emily’s spunky spirit and the series’ ability to blend magical adventures with heartfelt lessons about belonging. Reviews praise its “sparkling, fast-paced” narratives and “whimsical illustrations” by artists like Sarah Gibb, which bring the mer-world to life. The series’ cultural impact includes inspiring young readers to explore their creativity, with some even hoping for a movie adaptation currently in development.
- First published: 2003
- Number of books: 9 main novels, plus companion titles
- Awards: New York Times best-seller, beloved by middle-grade readers
- Age range: 8–12
Ready to swim into a world of mermaid magic? Grab The Tail of Emily Windsnap and join Emily’s unforgettable adventures today!