The Sea Fairies

Book excerpt: First published in 1911, ‘The Sea Fairies’ is an underwater fantasy story for children by famous ‘Oz’ author L. Frank Baum. It follows the adventures of a young girl named Tiny Trot and her friend, the old sailor Cap’n Bill Weedles. They spend their days beside the sea, when one day Tiny Trot makes a wish to see a mermaid. Little does she know her wish will soon be granted, and Trot and Bill are whisked off on an underwater adventure, encountering beautiful mermaids, indignant octopuses, and an evil villain named Zog. A delightful children’s story, full of nonsense and magic. Lyman Frank Baum (1856 – 1919) was a prolific and well-known American writer. He is best known for his famous series of modern fairy tales set in the imaginary land of Oz. The first of the books, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is widely considered to be the first true American fairy tale and was the basis for the hugely popular 1939 classic musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ starring Judy Garland. Born and raised in New York, Baum held a range of jobs including as a poultry farmer, clerk, and storekeeper before pursuing his talent for writing at the age of 41. He wrote 14 novels in the Oz series, as well as over 40 other novels and over 80 short stories. He died in California in 1919.