A Tale of Two Sisters Book 10 (Mermaid Tales Set 2) by Debbie Dadey

If you’re a fan of whimsical underwater worlds, charming characters, and heartwarming lessons wrapped in adventure, then A Tale of Two Sisters by Debbie Dadey is a must-read. As the tenth installment in the Mermaid Tales series (and part of Set 2), this book continues the delightful escapades of young mermaids navigating school, friendships, and family dynamics beneath the waves.

Debbie Dadey, best known for her Bailey School Kids series, brings the same warmth and humor to Mermaid Tales, making it a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who love fantasy with a relatable twist. But does this book hold up as a standalone, or is it best enjoyed as part of the series? Let’s dive in and find out!

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Without giving away major spoilers, A Tale of Two Sisters centers around the ever-lovable Pearl and her relationship with her older sister, Echo. While Pearl is kind-hearted and eager to please, Echo is more competitive and sometimes dismissive of her younger sister’s feelings. When a school project forces them to work together, tensions rise—especially when Echo seems more interested in impressing their classmates than collaborating fairly.

Meanwhile, the underwater world of Trident City is buzzing with excitement over an upcoming event (no spoilers here!), adding extra pressure on the sisters to reconcile their differences. The story weaves themes of sibling rivalry, teamwork, and self-discovery in a way that feels fresh yet timeless.

What I loved most was how Dadey keeps the stakes high enough to be engaging but never overwhelming for young readers. There’s just the right mix of conflict, humor, and underwater magic to keep pages turning.

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Pearl is the heart of this story. She’s empathetic, creative, and often feels overshadowed by her sister’s bold personality. Her journey is one of learning to assert herself while still valuing kindness—a lesson many young readers will relate to.

Echo isn’t just a one-dimensional antagonist; she’s a well-rounded character with her own insecurities. Her drive to be the best sometimes blinds her to Pearl’s feelings, but her growth throughout the book is satisfying and realistic.

The side characters, like Kiki and Wanda, add depth to the story, reinforcing themes of friendship and loyalty. Even minor characters feel distinct, making Trident City feel like a vibrant, lived-in world.

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Dadey’s writing is accessible without being simplistic. She has a knack for:

• Dialogue that feels natural – The exchanges between characters, especially the sisters, are authentic and often humorous.
• Vivid underwater descriptions – From coral castles to shimmering fish, the setting is immersive.
• Pacing that keeps kids hooked – Short chapters and frequent scene breaks make it ideal for reluctant readers.

While the prose isn’t overly complex, it doesn’t need to be—this is a book meant to entertain and gently teach, and it succeeds beautifully.

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At its core, A Tale of Two Sisters is about:

• Sibling relationships – The push-and-pull between admiration and frustration is portrayed with nuance.
• Self-worth – Pearl learns that her kindness is just as valuable as Echo’s achievements.
• Teamwork – The school project subplot reinforces the idea that collaboration beats competition.

These themes are handled in a way that never feels preachy, making them resonate more deeply.

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As someone who grew up with sister drama, this book hit home! The dynamic between Pearl and Echo felt incredibly real—I found myself rooting for both of them, even when they clashed. The underwater setting added a layer of escapism, but the emotional core kept me grounded.

Young readers (and even nostalgic adults) will appreciate how the story balances lighthearted fun with meaningful takeaways.

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Fans of The Rainbow Magic series or The Never Girls will likely enjoy Mermaid Tales for its blend of fantasy and everyday challenges. While it doesn’t have the depth of, say, The Tail of Emily Windsnap, it’s a fantastic choice for younger middle-grade readers who want a quick, engaging read.

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• Relatable sibling dynamics – Many kids will see themselves in Pearl or Echo.

• Fast-paced and fun – Perfect for readers who enjoy episodic adventures.

• Positive messaging – Encourages empathy and cooperation.

• Predictable at times – Some plot points follow familiar middle-grade tropes.

• Limited world-building – While charming, Trident City doesn’t feel as expansive as other fantasy settings.

Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise delightful book.

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Ideal for:

• Ages 7-10 who love mermaids, friendship stories, or light fantasy.
• Reluctant readers – Short chapters and engaging illustrations help maintain interest.
• Siblings – A great read-aloud to spark discussions about family bonds.

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"Being a sister means sometimes you argue, but it also means you always have someone who understands you—even when no one else does."

This line perfectly captures the book’s heart.

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Ready to dive into A Tale of Two Sisters? You can grab your copy here:
🔗 Amazon

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Debbie Dadey’s A Tale of Two Sisters is a charming, heartfelt addition to the Mermaid Tales collection. With relatable conflicts, endearing characters, and just the right amount of underwater magic, it’s a book that will resonate with young readers—especially those navigating sibling relationships.

Discussion Question: Do you have a favorite book about siblings? How does this one compare? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Happy reading, and may your adventures be as magical as Pearl’s! 🌊✨

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