I didn’t get a chance to post a Sunday Sketch last week because my internet connection was being flaky. (It’s still flaky, but the technician is coming to fix it so it doesn’t randomly drop out on me anymore.)

That said, I’ve decided to post the sketch I was planning to publish last week and double up next week.

This week’s sketch is courtesy of Hannah (Daughters of the Sea, Book 1) by Kathryn Lasky.

While the story had a few shortcomings, I did enjoy the subject matter—mermaids. The moment I started reading it, I wanted to draw Hannah.

Since I already finished the book, I was able to take a bit more time with this drawing (as promised). I even added some color. Hope you enjoy!

Back Cover of Hannah

Hannah wants to be normal, but she’s not. The sea calls to her, and she can see a delicate tracing of scales on her legs. Billowing waves soothe her, but flat land makes her sick. She knows there’s something wild in her that’s different, wrong–and deeply thrilling.

Only one person seems to know who–or what–Hannah is. He’s a guest in the house where she works as a scullery girl, and his fascinated gaze follows her. She doesn’t understand his terrifying allure, or her longing. But even as the mystery deepens, Hannah is sure of one thing. A sea change is coming.

Three Quick Points About Hannah

• Point 1: Deus ex machinas abound! Hannah’s problems were all too easily resolved.
• Point 2: The intended audience must be precocious children or idyllic teens. In general, too superficial for an audience over 12 with words too laborious for an audience under 15.
• Point 3: It’s the book equivalent of Chinese food.

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Recent Arrivals chronicles the books that have made their way onto the Today, I Read… bookshelf. Here’s the latest arrival: Hannah by Kathryn Lasky

First line: They say the sea makes some people sick.

Initial thoughts: I already know what Hannah is. I won’t mention it because it might be a spoiler (assuming the hints aren’t enough), I’m not sure. But Hannah is something I used to draw almost ceaselessly when I was younger. They fascinated me to no end and in some wild moments of make-believe I imagined I was one. And if I were completely honest, I’d admit that they still fascinate me.

So in case it wasn’t gathered from my previous ramblings, when this book arrived I squealed like a little girl and am looking forward to submerging myself in Hannah’s world.

Book description:

Hannah wants to be normal, but she’s not. The sea calls to her, and she can see a delicate tracing of scales on her legs. Billowing waves soothe her, but flat land makes her sick. She knows there’s something wild in her that’s different, wrong–and deeply thrilling.

Only one person seems to know who–or what–Hannah is. He’s a guest in the house where she works as a scullery girl, and his fascinated gaze follows her. She doesn’t understand his terrifying allure, or her longing. But even as the mystery deepens, Hannah is sure of one thing. A sea change is coming.

Book Details: 308 pages; Scholastic Inc.; Pub. September 1, 2009