A young girl named Mary Louise ventures to the beach for the first time alone, where she encounters a mermaid. The mermaid, with her enchanting long hair and pearly comb, invites Mary Louise to join her underwater. As they converse, the mermaid explains the wonders of the ocean, including the existence of underwater mountains and the beauty beneath the waves. Intrigued, Mary Louise is magically transformed into a mermaid herself, complete with a finny tail. Together, they swim into the ocean, leaving the shore behind. The mermaid reveals the existence of a subway system in the sea, which consists of a water train made of icebergs that travels from the Northern seas. As they prepare to board, a polar bear calls for passengers, and Mary Louise is assisted onto the train. The journey promises scenic views, but just as they embark, a sudden crash disrupts their adventure, throwing Mary Louise into the water and signaling the start of an unexpected experience in the depths of the ocean. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and exploration, highlighting themes of curiosity, transformation, and the allure of the unknown.
By David Cory · First published 1987 · Genre: Adventure, Children's literature, Fantasy · 10 chapters