How to Kidnap a Mermaid by Andy Tolson

How to Kidnap a Mermaid by Andy Tolson is the first book in his middle-grade fantasy series; The Quests of Tiny Wilde, to be released by Nimbus Publishing in August.

“The quest is the actual path you’re on, one foot in front of the other toward the goal. The Hero’s Journey is your personal story within the quest.”

Like every giant in his twelfth year, Tiny Wilde’s growth spurt was due to start, but for now he could still pass as any freckle-face human boy. His Father is the Legendary Giant, Gregory Wilde, famous for his heroic and dangerous quests. His human mother, Sally Wilde, was a Journalist and Photographer for the local newspaper. She taught Tiny how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwiches. Tiny still misses her. Since human-sized houses are too small for giants, they live in an abandoned warehouse that used to be a Cookie Factory. The story begins on the full moon with a visit from a troll named Nooch, who after attacking Tiny and biting his ankle, tells him he is destined for a quest. He also tells him to “Beware of the fish that walks on land.”

“According to Mythic legend, the hero receives the prophecy from a troll, then gathers the allies and mentor for the quest.“

Nalia Souza, half mermaid, requests Tiny to meet her. She claims she is part of the resistance and knows how to regain their magic for all the Mythics. She is looking for an ally, someone to help her protect the “Ancient Creature” she has named Larry. She claims that she is on a quest to restore magic. But, he is on the quest. You can’t have two heroes, can you?

“Ally is just another name for a friend, but one you’re willing to fight for.”

How to Kidnap a Mermaid is set on an island in the town of Wonderville, the only place on Earth where mythical creatures live. It contains 46 short, fun, action-packed chapters where you meet several colourful creatures including Podge — a gnome and their mentor on their quest —, and a bunch of rebel gnomes who drive a dumpster with truck-sized wheels, an ancient game console, and random car parts, named Bessie. Tolson has created a remarkable fantastical world with the perfect balance of adventure, heroics, and mythics — with some life lessons thrown into the mix. I can’t wait to read more of Tiny’s quests and hero journeys.

“Courage isn’t the lack of fear, it’s the ability to act even though you’re scared out of your wits.”

Andy Tolson has been a boy magician, drummer, propmaker, photojournalist, and filmmaker. He lives in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, in a big old house with his family and two cats; named Olive and Ottoline. He is the author of the novel Noisemaker, published in 2022, by Moose House Publications. How to Kidnap a Mermaid is his debut middle-grade fantasy, and the sequel, How to Rescue a Unicorn will be out in fall 2025. Visit his website: www.andytolson.com

Publisher: Nimbus (Aug 20, 2024)
Paperback 8″ x 5″ | 256 pages
ISBN: 9781774713099

Sue Slade

Sue Slade has a Bachelor of Child Study from Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax. After working with children and adults with special needs, she now has her midlife dream job of working with books. Sue manages an independent, locally owned bookstore, Dartmouth Book Exchange. Through her charismatic sharing centred around books and community, Sue has created an engaging cornerstone for authors, customers, and book lovers of all ages. Sue is an avid reader and her reviews cross over many genres.