A Comb of Wishes

A Comb of WishesA Comb of Wishes by Lisa Stringfellow
Published by Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 0063043432
Pages: 272
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“A Comb of Wishes” by Lisa Stringfellow tells the story of Kela, a 12 year-old girl who has recently lost her mother in a car accident. While exploring on the beach for supplies for her sea glass jewelry, she finds a mermaid’s comb. The mermaid whose comb it is, Ophidia, can sense that it is missing. To get it back, she must give Kela a wish. Kela wishes for her mother back, but is she prepared for the consequences?

Written in alternating voices between Kela and Ophidia, the book focuses on the importance of telling the truth, experiencing grief, while it weaves in Caribbean folklore about the sea. Characters are mostly believable and the storyline flows easily. Readers will want to know how Kela will fix everything. Aimed at kids grades 3-7, this middle grade book is not a must-buy for libraries, but a good addition where books about mermaids and folklore are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars