Heartwarming picture book about a little girl who dreams of meeting a mermaid, by OPAL MOONBABY author Maudie Smith, with illustrations by new artist Antonia Woodward - gorgeously finished with glitter foil!

"Luminously illustrated by Antonia Woodward, the promise of 'extra sparkle inside' is amply born out when Milly discovers the secret world of mermaids. This she does after entering a shell brought back from the beach that afternoon which has now swollen to giant-size. Is she dreaming? Ask any child lucky enough to possess this beautiful book." The Independent on Sunday

"A very easy to read story which captures your imagination and makes you smile at the end." -- Baby Buzz Magazine

"A wonderfully charming and warm children's book that will be perfect to share with young and fascinated minds." The Bookbag

Maudie Smith started work as an actress, before moving to Bath with her TV screenwriter husband. She gave up touring theatre when she had children. In the last couple of years she's written a libretto for a newly commissioned opera and run a very successful school drama club, while raising two daughters, cats, chickens, guinea pigs etc. She has an MA in Writing for Young People from the prestigious Bath Spa University. MILLY AND THE MERMAIDS is her first picture book.

Her website is www.maudiesmith.co.uk and you can follow her on Twitter @MaudieSmith

Antonia Woodward graduated with a first class honours degree in illustration in 2007 and has been illustrating ever since. She is the illustrator of two previous picture books, WHO BUILT THE ARK? and DETECTIVE DAN, both published by Meadowside Children's Books.

Her website is www.antoniaillustrates.co.uk and you can follow her on Twitter @antoniawoodward