The Tail of Emily Windsnap enchants readers with its imaginative underwater world and relatable protagonist. Kessler's storytelling coupled with Gibb's illustrations captivate young audiences. However, some critics note a predictable plot and rushed character development. Overall, it's an engaging fantasy that appeals to middle-grade readers seeking adventure.

A reader who enjoys The Tail of Emily Windsnap likely appreciates imaginative, magical tales with young female protagonists. Fans of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan, who enjoy themes of adventure and self-discovery, would be captivated. Ideal for ages 8–12, with a love for mermaids and the sea.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, with illustrations by Sarah Gibb, tells the story of a girl who discovers her identity as a mermaid. Emily's journey explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure as she uncovers secrets about her family and navigates life between land and sea.

Fantastical / Adventurous / Inspirational / Hopeful

- The Tail of Emily Windsnap was Liz Kessler's debut novel, published in 2003, and it quickly became popular among young readers, launching a series with multiple sequels.
- Liz Kessler was inspired to write The Tail of Emily Windsnap while on a boat trip, fueling her imagination with the idea of a girl who discovers her mermaid heritage.
- The book's success helped establish Liz Kessler as a notable name in children's literature and has been translated into over two dozen languages worldwide, reaching a broad international audience.

**Emily**  
A young girl who discovers her true mermaid nature, leading her to navigate the complexities of belonging to both the human and merfolk worlds. Her journey is central to exploring identity and the blending of two different worlds.

**Shona**  
A mermaid girl Emily meets, depicted in a classic way with long hair and a shimmering tail. Her interactions with Emily challenge her beliefs about humans and merfolk.

**Mr. Beeston**  
A half-merman who guards the boundary between humans and merfolk on Neptune's behalf. He serves as a reminder of the divide between the two worlds.

**Neptune**  
The king of the merfolk, who enforces strict laws to separate humans and merfolk. His presence and power influence key conflicts in the story.

Liz Kessler

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Tail of Emily Windsnap reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Tail of Emily Windsnap | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Tail of Emily Windsnap and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Tail of Emily Windsnap Essay Topics

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Tail of Emily Windsnap?

Reading Age

Book Details