Twin Tails of Mason Beach: The Twin Tails Series, Volume 1 is a fantasy novel for children and preteens written and illustrated by CILLYart. Mateo and Marnie loved to walk along the Carolina beaches and were enjoying doing just that when Mateo heard an oddly entrancing melody. He could barely hear it as it was coming from the water/ocean surf or waves. Though Marnie couldn't hear the music, she was able to discern from Mateo's words that it was sort of a lullaby. The song directed their attention out to a rocky promontory where a large shell was bobbing in the waters. The two of them dashed out into the surf and were astounded by what they found. It was indeed a giant shell, and nestled inside were two sleeping infants. The couple carried the shell and its cargo up to the shore, and marvelled at the two baby girls. They had long wanted a family of their own, and perhaps they would be able to adopt these two foundlings, if it turned out that they had no parents. In the meantime, they would have to notify the authorities and seek permission to foster the two infants. Mateo and Marnie were excited and hopeful.

CILLYart’s mythological fantasy for children and preteens, Twin Tails of Mason Beach: The Twin Tails Series, Volume 1, is a fun and exciting story about two foundling mermaid sisters who are raised as human children by their adoptive parents. Marina and Perla are just like any other kids they go to school with, except they can never go near salt water. Their parents discovered when the two were infants that contact with salt water acts as a catalyst in transforming them into mermaids. And, yes, they are superlative swimmers and enchanting singers! Aside from the mythological background, this story touches on issues of adoption and the perception that some children may feel different than the other kids in school because of their adoptive state. Also, while Marina and Perla have different skin tones and hair colors, they are sisters through and through, and their bonds with their parents go every bit as deeply as if their parents were their own flesh and blood.

CILLYart also illustrated Twin Tails of Mason Beach, and her drawings are marvelous. Her panels make the reader feel present at so many of the important events in the two girls’ lives as well as those moments spent with their parents. While the story follows the girls through to their senior year in high school, the content of this book is suitable for children as well as preteens. Twin Tails of Mason Beach: The Twin Tails Series, Volume 1 is highly recommended.

One night, while taking a stroll along the beach, Mateo and Marnie discover something extraordinary--a conch shell in which two infant girls are hidden. But for their skin colors which differ, the infants are identical in appearance. Marnie and Mateo take them home and begin the search for their parents. But when none are found, the girls, whom they name Marina and Perla, join their family. So begins Twin Tails of Mason Beach by CILLYart. The fun continues when Mateo and Marnie discover that when Marina and Perla are in salt water, their skin turns scaly, and their legs become tails. All through their growing years, the twins' parents keep this a secret from them, but eventually, they share it with the girls who are delighted to discover their true nature. They secretly swim in the ocean, and eventually become heroes when a surfer is left stranded during a storm.

It is often the case that younger readers like stories that feature older protagonists. The difficulty can arise when the tales also include issues that are intended only for older readers. But CILLYart has managed, in Twin Tails of Mason Beach, Volume One, to bridge that gap. While most of the story is told after the twins become high school students, this is most certainly a tale for young children and it is one they are sure to enjoy. Complete with enchantment, dangers, a bit of old mermaid folk lore, and two teenage girls who become heroes, young readers will stay engaged and keep turning pages. Better yet, they'll be able to follow the series!