A group of young mermaids is given instruction on searching for a personal gemstone to enhance their tail colors and deign magical powers that allow them to assist mariners and create “enchanting melodies.” Platinum haired Tallulah (her name is Native American for “leaping water”) lacks success until her companion Sea Turtle convinces her to move her quest from ocean to the Great Lakes. After exploring the many pleasures of these waters, they finally locate a Petoskey stone that transforms her tail and inspires her song as the Great Lakes Mermaid. Hartung’s cartoon watercolors of young mermaids and undersea flora and fauna will enchant preschoolers. The expected array of blues and greens brighten with the inclusion of corals in orange, pink, and purple. VERDICT Ideal for fans of the Great Lakes region, the basic story could be appealing to a wider audience.