First published in 1911, "The Sea Fairies" is a children's fantasy novel written by L. Frank Baum.
As an underwater fantasy, Baum's "The Sea Fairies" can be classed with earlier books with similar themes, like Charles Kingsley's "The Water-Babies", and successors too, like E. Nesbit's "Wet Magic".
Mayre "Trot" Griffiths is a small girl living on the coast of California, her close friend and companion is Cap'n Bill, formerly her father's employer and now a retired seaman with a wooden leg. As they walk along the beach one day, Trot wishes that she could see a mermaid. Nearby mermaids overhear her, and grant her wish, appearing to her and the Cap'n the next day. The mermaids explain that they are "sea fairies," and offer the girl a chance to experience their world. Trot is eager to go; Bill is not, but is too loyal to let Trot go by herself. Magically transformed, the two embark on an underwater adventure.
As an underwater fantasy, Baum's "The Sea Fairies" can be classed with earlier books with similar themes, like Charles Kingsley's "The Water-Babies", and successors too, like E. Nesbit's "Wet Magic".
Mayre "Trot" Griffiths is a small girl living on the coast of California, her close friend and companion is Cap'n Bill, formerly her father's employer and now a retired seaman with a wooden leg. As they walk along the beach one day, Trot wishes that she could see a mermaid. Nearby mermaids overhear her, and grant her wish, appearing to her and the Cap'n the next day. The mermaids explain that they are "sea fairies," and offer the girl a chance to experience their world. Trot is eager to go; Bill is not, but is too loyal to let Trot go by herself. Magically transformed, the two embark on an underwater adventure.