Kirkus
"A good time is plainly had by all...[a] celebration of a colorful, distinctive local tradition."
Cool Mom Picks Link to Review
"It's so wonderful Melanie. Hope you caught our review of it.”
Brooklyn Bridge Parents Blog Brooklyn's classic picture book list. Link to List
MERMAIDS ON PARADE in the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s Environmental Education Center Library 99 Plymouth Street, Dumbo, Brooklyn
Testimonials
"My love and admiration goes out to Melanie Hope Greenberg...Does everyone have Mermaids on Parade? …..Classic books for Brooklyn cool kids.”
- Tina Chang, Brooklyn Poet Laureate
"Hi Melanie Greenberg, My best wishes to Jane Feder and congratulations to you.”
- Carol Albert, owner of Astroland
“There's an article on NPR online today that features a photo from a San Jose library and my picture book, MERMAIDS ON PARADE, is on the library shelf. It’s an article about diversity. THANK YOU for having my book in your collection. So honored!”
Melanie Hope Greenberg - Author and Illustrator
“We saw the article. We were excited to know that NPR used one of our images. That's cool how you spotted your book ... We only buy the best. Cheers!”
- San Jose Public Library
“I should mention, by the way, that Lily Bird is OBSESSED with Mermaids on Parade. I am not even just saying that. She loves a lot of books but right now that's the one she wants to read every. single. night. There are so many details that she pores over. It took about 30 readings before I myself noticed the Superfine reference. Well hidden! I think part of the lure of the book for her is the trophy at the end. She's already asked if she could have one. I've told her that next summer maybe we can go to the real mermaid parade. We'll see. In any case, you have a #1 fan in the Bird household. She even knows how to say your name when I read the title.”
- Betsy Bird, Author and School Library Journal blogger
"I saw someone buying your Mermaid book at Powerhouse on 8th. Woman was buying it as a gift. Second time she has done so. She said "Thank You.”
- Louise Crawford, Brooklyn blogger
"How wonderful...how exciting!!!” - Karen Zebulon, owner, Gumbo Brooklyn
“We really enjoyed the book reading and of course we loved the arts and crafts! We still have our glamorous mermaid crowns! Thank you Melanie Hope Greenberg!"
- Nicole Salina
Thank You Pittsburgh Public Library System! "My 3 year old daughter has become a big fan of your book. We found it at our public library and she was hooked on reading it every night" - Jeremy F
"We had cupcakes donated to a Friends of the Park Slope Library event and they were wonderful! She made us specialized mermaid cupcakes in honor of a book reading about the mermaid parade.”
- Park Slope Parents review of 4 Wishes Cakery
“…our little patron Evan.. ADORES Mermaids on Parade! Court Square Library loves Melanie Hope Greenberg!
- Alison Mc, Children’s Librarian
“Both my daughter andI love your illustrations in Mermaid on Parade. It is so joyful. Thanks for doing what you do!”
- Juana F, Children's Librarian
"Well, thank you also for having such a singular book. I actually started the Brooklyn list with your book in mind and went from there.”
- Stephanie W, NYPL Librarian
"Just helped a young reader enter her recent titles in our summer reading program! She loved Mermaids on Parade and enjoyed hearing that we are friends!”
- Maria Simone, Librarian, OH
"Your workshop on your picture book process for Mermaids on Parade was fabulous - so informative, zippy, and funny! Great to spend time with you!”
- Sarah Lamstein, author
"Wait! You know the person who illustrated that book? We have read it roughly 4,000 times. I'm starstruck by proxy.” - Andria, parent, and now Facebook Friend
"Awww, that's cuz he loves "Mermaids on Parade!” - Beth E-H. parent
“Melanie Hope Greenberg--thanks for the afternoon activity from Mermaids on Parade. They had fun.” - Carol B, author
"Mermaids of Parade was my Granddaughters all time favorite for me to read to her. Definitely makes an excellent gift for giving.” - Catherine M
"I am enjoying reading your beautiful, colorful and the characters of all size and colors. The grandchildren love and want us to read over and over again. Thank you so much for the joy your book has brought to our lives. Also very proud you are my cousin. Lots of love." - Ginelle A
“Hi Melanie, Congratulations on another successful children's book! Our grand kids still enjoy Mermaids on Parade, My Father's Luncheonette and Down in the Subway. Keep on writing and illustrating your wonderful books! All the best."
- Nino & Judy Pantano
"Melanie... Our family enjoyed the book very much...You captured the excitement of Coney Island and the Mermaid Parade that we became home sick. 😎💕 Your illustrations are amazing!! Thank you for representing Brooklyn!” - Ruth Ann
"Although "your" Coney Island is newer than mine--I went to Steeplechase and can remember those rides and also was one of the last kids to have experienced going on the Parachute Jump before it closed down Mermaids on Parade invoked many memories of what Coney Island is and was It really was such razzle-dazzle for us as children. I think you captured all that for the children who will be reading about Coney Island today---and as well as for those who have never actually been there. Your book has been a delightful experience. Good luck to you as you bring those happy experiences to your young audience.”
- V. Rizzuto (happy customer)
"Hi Melanie thanks for sharing the Mermaids illustration, it is just beautiful. All the best with your work.” - Kate Mcgarry, jazz artist
“Gorgeous” - Steven Levenberg
"CONGRATULATIONS Melanie - what a thrill and accomplishment.” - Pat Tortorici
"I bought it sight unseen for it's content (Coney Island family history) and your beautiful illustrations. It exceeded expectations!"
- Pat Kaiser Oldfield
“Melanie Hope Greenberg thank you. I hope I see u again one day. I was always so crazy busy. I never told you how much I loved your Mermaid Parade book.”
- Kate Schmitz, Owner, Flying Squirrel Shop
“Hi Melanie! I love your work. My sons won Mermaids on Parade from a Giveaway Erica did on her site and they LOVED it! We brought it in so that my son's kindergarten teacher could read it to his class last year, and it's still a popular choice when they want a story. I'l be sure to find you on Facebook!”
- The Pleasant Thing, Parent Blogger
“It was such a pleasure meeting you, my daughter and I are in love with your book, and we're looking forward to your next story time.”
- Demitra Mensah, Parent Blogger
“Just to let you know, my granddaughter, Theia, has taken to the Mermaids book. It’s now one of the books she takes with her to bed to help her fall asleep. She lays in bed looking at the pictures till she’s asleep. She’s not reading yet, so that’s a very good thing to be doing. Thanks again for signing the books!!!”
- Glenn Spivak
“I am actually performing at a 6 year olds mermaid theme birthday party on Friday.If its ok I will read and sing your book then x”
- Laura Santoso
“Went to a New Years gathering where Sofia met Melanie Hope Greenberg, author of the Mermaid Parade book which she loved as a younger kid.”
- Edin Velez
"Hello Melanie, We love your book so much. My daughter is giving it to her
kindergarten class as her "birthday book." We will be reading it to the class
next Friday morning. I think my little one would be over the moon if it were addressed to (her school) on the occasion of Willa's sixth birthday--or something like that. Thank you, Melanie!!! My best,"
- Happy Parent and Online Book Ordering Customer
“I took my daughter to the library in Burlington, VT today and this was prominently displayed in the children's section!” - Kristina Franz Alexandre
“This fun, light-hearted book illustrates the yearly Mermaid Parade in New York City. This story is a great way to learn about that nation’s largest art parade, which promotes self-expression, artistic expression, and community involvement. Who knew!” - Happy Parent
“Melanie, I saw ‘Mermaids on Parade’ at our local San Diego library and it made me so happy to see a little bit of Brooklyn out here. We love our signed copy. Unrelated but I just told a mermaid-loving 1st grade teacher about ‘Mermaids on Parade’. Hopefully she can incorporate it into her classroom!”
- Jade Elzien
“Hi Melanie, We won't be able to make the reading, but I just wanted to say that my daughter loves your book. We checked it out from the library and kept renewing it and renewing it for months. Have a great time on Saturday!”
- Jaime West
“Our grandniece, Ava McLaughlin, spent last week with us in Scituate, MA. She needed to use the restroom in the library while playing at the town playground and asked her Mom “Is this a PUBLIC library?” “Melanie Hope Greenberg told me that we can find "Mermaids on Parade" in any public library.” She was disappointed that they did not have time to look for your book but her 5th birthday is next week so I thought she might like her very own copy. Your appearance at her Summer Day Camp in Brooklyn made quite an impact on her. I will check with our Children’s Librarian to see if your book is on the shelf. If not, I will suggest she put it on her list of future purchases. Please inscribe the book to Ava. She begins Kindergarten on 9/9 so it is a very exciting time in this new readers life. Best!”
- Janet Campbell
“I can't wait to see pictures! When you were in Dallas Texas a few years ago, I came to a writers & Illustrators conference where you were! It was fabulous to hear about the mermaid parade, it made me want to come join in the fun but alas to far for me to go, so be sure and post some pics!! Its great to see what all you do, so inspirational!!" - Karyn Sawers
"We read Mermaids last night and it was a hit. Thank you!”
- Kevin Fitzpatrick, Author
“Was excited to see your mermaid book displayed among the Coney exhibit stuff for sale in the shop (Brooklyn Museum). This could be really good for you! It's a really lovely book! Maeve has been learning about maps at school and we really enjoyed going over the bird's eye perspective illustrations of the streets and boardwalk :) She loves your Mermaid Parade book so much!”
- Erin Core Kinsella
“Thanks Melanie. I was excited to get a signed copy of your Mermaids on Parade book for my daughter (I had been planning on buying the book anyway since I wanted to read it to her before the parade next week).”
- Happy Parent
“Thank you, Melanie! Did you hit up the Mermaid Parade on Saturday?? We didn't, but read your book in honor of it. It's a favorite in our household! Thank YOU for creating it!” - Kristina Lucenko
“We love that book! We checked it out at the library but need to buy one. My daughter makes me tell mermaid stories every night and many are set in Coney Island. Imagine my surprise to find your book. I should have realized you were local. Melanie, we'll always have Mermaids on Parade! Anya will be a mermaid forever and ever. We read the book tonight in preparation for our first mermaid parade on Saturday. I have two little mermaids--a 2.5 yr old (who we should probably leave at home but we're not) and an enthusiastic 5 yr old who is actually saving up for a $3K custom fit mermaid tail (on track for getting it at age 16).” - Laura Strandhoy Amin
“We just read Mermaids on Parade this morning.” - Lori D’Amico
"Mermaids on Parade" has been tops on our bedtime book stack this week.”
- Mara Bragg
“Made her mermaid tail from you Melanie Hope Greenberg.” - Muriel Watt
“Melanie Hope Greenberg This just came today too. It was a hit! My 6 year old loved inspecting all of the illustrations.”
- Natasha Aloe Bovee
“My dad and I took my girls out to Coney Island last week. We spent a long time pouring over Mermaids on Parade afterwards picking out all the places we visited. It was tons of fun. Thanks!” - Oril Van Mourik
“I read it to my niece for the first time over the phone last night! :) She lives 2 hours away and I couldn't wait until the next time I see her!”
- Stacy Parker
“I will tell luciana, who we've read your signed copy of "Mermaids on Parade" too 100's of times, thanks to Kristen Lynch, and send you her reaction shot! She loves you, and your books so much!” - Sarah Fabbricatore Alwa
“I recently sent my mother a copy of the book! And a fellow teaching artist brought this up to me a few years ago: "the little girl I nanny has this book about the Mermaid Parade and it is her favorite. I read it to her again the other day and saw you and Simone listed in the back!" Good stories and interactions like these are all thanks to you!” - Yung Oh Le Page
“Flo and I want to go to Coney Island now. Flo wants to dress as a mermaid and win a prize in the parade just like in the book."
- Ian McHugh
“I love it! It’s colorful and fun as it describes a little girls day celebrating the opening of the ocean during summer solstice. A Coney Island tradition since 1983. (I learned that with Melanie’s “Note from the author” page in back of book which follows instructions on making your own mermaid tail!). The map of Coney Island had me googling the businesses along the parade route to learn more about Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York.” - Lisa Marie Miller
“I also loved all the colors and details in your artwork. It took me a while to really take in all you illustrated on each page. So great to look at. Your book is also educational- I never knew there was a mermaid parade at Coney Island. How cool is that? Reading your book was a great deal of fun.” - Diana Muenz
“We love your book so much. my daughter is giving it to her kindergarten class as her "birthday book." We will be reading it to the class next Friday morning.” - jessamyn
“Ella's mermaid tail is still a regular fixture in her dress-up box.” - John Emerson
"Thank you for the mermaid book. I like the bit where it shows you how to make the mermaid tail. Attached is a picture of me as a mermaid, with the tail I made." - Clementine, Age 4. This is a message sent by Clementine's mummy, because Mermaids on Parade is her favourite book, even though she lives in London and has never been to Coney Island. Best wishes!”
- Ophelia and Clementine x
“You created a classic picture book, Melanie!!!” - Beverly Komoda
“Thanks Melanie- went to Coney Island today and discussed your work at length!”
- Brian Shuman
"Just received two copies of Melanie Hope Greenberg's book, Mermaids on Parade. Ebby is going to mermaid camp this summer and I couldn't get one for her, without getting one for cousins Caitlin and LIbbie!” - Carol Federlin Baldwin, Author
“Look what I found at our used book store! super cute. My kid loved it!”
- Kimberly Ann Burkhart Ouska
“I'm so glad I got that book. Can't wait to share with the kids! - Connie Cramer
She loves it.3x reading!" - Danell Moore Burney
“Victoria still reads your book every night and now can recite the entire book. Her favorite part is where you wrote For Victoria and when I say by she says Melanie Hope Greenberg :)” - Deidre Quiñones
“Thank u, great to meet this morning, love the book!” - Deirdre Read
“Helen received her book today and was so excited!! She said, “you know a real life author?!” My little mermaid at heart is thrilled!”
- Heather Peterson Graham
“These books have been on heavy repeat this week. He LOVES it! He gets to pick 3 books at naptime and bedtime, and it’s (Mermaids On Parade) his first pick for both every day the past few weeks.”
- Jamie Lynn Onakoya
“Our books came from Melanie Hope Greenberg and we are so excited! These are our first autographed books ever! We read this tonight and it’s DELIGHTFUL! This is a super cool, real event! I am so glad we were able to order these books from Melanie Hope Greenberg. We loved how both books make the city come to life. I love it! My kids loved it! We’ve been talking in our homeschooling about things authors do to make their reader feel something and you 100% do. Mermaids and Aunt Lilly really drew us into those worlds.”
- Beth Bloom Martinez
“Thank you for our signed copy of Mermaids on Parade, Melanie! The kids absolutely loved it! Izzy was flipping through and said “It says, I love mermaid parades!”
- Lizz Puckett
“DAY 6: SHARE Your KINDNESS STORY!! Thank you Melanie Hope Greenberg for signing your book for the girls!! We love the decorations you added and of course we LOVE the book!! HEY EVERYONE!! What are your bits of sunshine or stories of kindness from the holiday weekend?? LET’S SPREAD SOME HAPPINESS!!!"
- Kaja Kilburn Ikoh
“We love reading your books before bed.” - Arlene Ettinger Frankel
"DIVERSITY IN MY PICTURE BOOKS"
