Water - Tales of Elemental Spirits

By the time Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson penned this collaboration aimed at teen readers, they both had collected a number of prestigious awards for their independent books, which also appeared on New York Times "Notable Books" and "Extended Bestseller" lists. And this newest addition is already garnering international accolades. Now, whether you care about such things or simply like to get into a good book with lots of excitement and colorful images, you'll enjoy Water.

First published in hardback in 2002, this collection of tales was released in quality paperback in May 2003. The cover art is by Trina Shart Hyman and sets the tone for the book's content by depicting a merman swimming in the aqua blues of a tropical sea. You won't be disappointed by what's between the covers, either. These tales are downright good. From the "Mermaid Song" in which Dickinson's main character learns to hum a tune that can bridge the gap between many generations, to a "Pool in the Desert" by McKinley, these are stories of conflict, sorrow, joy, and coming of age in the best of traditions.

Although written for a teen audience, I found them lots of fun myself (and I'm no teenager). If you enjoy fantasy and have a yearning to know more about what lies in the farthest depths of the ocean, try "Kraken" by Dickinson. Or, if you dream of living on an island where the sea winds can whip up a storm that can reach to the craggy tops of the island's mountain ridge, you're in for a treat in "Water Horse," another McKinley tale. Hunger for a little romance during these cold winter months? "The Sea-King's Son" will keep you enthralled for a happy hour or so.

One of my favorites, however, is "Sea Serpent" by Dickinson. When Iril is contracted to ferry huge stones across the inlet of a coastal sea during high tide, he will need all of his skill (and the help of his herbs) to keep his promise. Not only must he manage a load that is much larger than any he has had to raft on the waves before, he must now contend with a new problem: the great sea serpent that has been conjured to block his path. This is a short tale that is so well developed it ought to form the basis of a complete novel in itself. The characters come with a unique culture, which reminded me somewhat of Celtic tribes, and have a depth which makes me want to know more.

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