Book excerpt: Dive in to discover all there is to know about mermaids in this beautifully illustrated book. But wait - if you thought mermaids were fantasy creatures who existed only in myth and fairytale, think again! New research has uncovered what a rich and varied group of beings they are. The famed merologist Professor Tola's great work covers everything from their long and sinewy tails to the magical properties of merpeople from the Pacific Ocean to the frozen Arctic. Merperson researchers from the Institute of Merology have discovered a secret underwater kingdom where these magical beings swim, play, learn and sing. Now you can become a mermaid expert too!