📖 Overview
Liz Kessler is a British author primarily known for writing children's and young adult fiction, with her most successful work being the Emily Windsnap series about a girl who discovers she is part mermaid. The first book in this series was published in 2003, and it has since expanded to multiple volumes that have been translated into over 25 languages.
Before becoming an author, Kessler worked as a teacher and journalist. She earned her MA in Novel Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University, which helped launch her career in children's literature.
Her bibliography extends beyond the Emily Windsnap series to include other middle-grade novels such as the Philippa Fisher series and standalone works like A Year Without Autumn and North of Nowhere. These books often incorporate elements of fantasy and explore themes of friendship, identity, and family relationships.
Kessler's work has earned recognition in the children's literature community, with her books appearing on bestseller lists and receiving various regional book awards. She continues to write and currently lives in Cornwall, England, where she finds inspiration for her maritime-themed stories.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Kessler's engaging middle-grade voice and ability to weave fantasy elements into relatable teen experiences. Her Emily Windsnap series receives consistent 4+ star ratings from young readers who connect with the mermaid protagonist's journey of self-discovery.
Parents and teachers note the books provide age-appropriate content while tackling themes of friendship, identity, and family relationships. Several reviews highlight how the stories encourage reluctant readers.
Common criticisms include predictable plots and repetitive story elements across the series. Some older readers find the writing style oversimplified.
Average ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (Emily Windsnap series)
Amazon: 4.6/5
BookBrowse: 4/5
"My daughter couldn't put these down - finally found books that got her excited about reading" - Amazon reviewer
"Characters feel real despite the fantasy setting" - Goodreads review
"Later books rehash similar conflicts" - School Library Journal reader review
📚 Books by Liz Kessler
Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret
Emily's abilities as a half-mermaid are tested when she encounters sirens threatening both land and sea worlds.
Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist Emily discovers an enchanted castle and faces a curse that could separate her family forever.
Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep Emily investigates mysterious events in her hometown while confronting an ancient sea monster.
Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun Emily embarks on an arctic journey to prevent a war between Neptune and the land people.
Philippa Fisher and the Dream-Maker's Daughter A young girl works with a fairy to protect the daughter of the dream-maker from dark forces.
A Year Without Autumn A twelve-year-old girl accidentally travels one year into the future and must find a way back to prevent a family tragedy.
North of Nowhere A teenager searching for her missing grandfather discovers mysterious time slips in a seaside town.
Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins? A thirteen-year-old girl suddenly develops invisibility powers and investigates similar occurrences among her classmates.
Read Me Like a Book A coming-of-age story about a seventeen-year-old girl discovering her identity and sexuality.
Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist Emily discovers an enchanted castle and faces a curse that could separate her family forever.
Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep Emily investigates mysterious events in her hometown while confronting an ancient sea monster.
Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun Emily embarks on an arctic journey to prevent a war between Neptune and the land people.
Philippa Fisher and the Dream-Maker's Daughter A young girl works with a fairy to protect the daughter of the dream-maker from dark forces.
A Year Without Autumn A twelve-year-old girl accidentally travels one year into the future and must find a way back to prevent a family tragedy.
North of Nowhere A teenager searching for her missing grandfather discovers mysterious time slips in a seaside town.
Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins? A thirteen-year-old girl suddenly develops invisibility powers and investigates similar occurrences among her classmates.
Read Me Like a Book A coming-of-age story about a seventeen-year-old girl discovering her identity and sexuality.
👥 Similar authors
Eva Ibbotson writes fantasy stories for young readers that blend magical elements with everyday life and often feature young protagonists discovering hidden worlds. Her books include themes of finding one's place and exploring identity, similar to Kessler's work with mermaids and magical transformations.
Helen Dunmore created the Ingo series about children discovering their connection to an underwater world of merpeople. Her work shares direct parallels with Kessler's Emily Windsnap series in terms of maritime fantasy and coming-of-age themes.
Kate DiCamillo writes middle-grade fiction that combines real-world settings with elements of magic and focuses on young characters facing personal challenges. Her work features similar themes of self-discovery and friendship that appear throughout Kessler's books.
Cornelia Funke creates fantasy novels for young readers that mix reality with magical elements and often involve hidden worlds existing alongside our own. Her work shares Kessler's focus on young protagonists discovering supernatural abilities or connections to magical realms.
Linda Chapman writes series featuring magical creatures and young characters discovering their special abilities. Her books focus on similar themes of identity and friendship while incorporating fantasy elements into contemporary settings.
Helen Dunmore created the Ingo series about children discovering their connection to an underwater world of merpeople. Her work shares direct parallels with Kessler's Emily Windsnap series in terms of maritime fantasy and coming-of-age themes.
Kate DiCamillo writes middle-grade fiction that combines real-world settings with elements of magic and focuses on young characters facing personal challenges. Her work features similar themes of self-discovery and friendship that appear throughout Kessler's books.
Cornelia Funke creates fantasy novels for young readers that mix reality with magical elements and often involve hidden worlds existing alongside our own. Her work shares Kessler's focus on young protagonists discovering supernatural abilities or connections to magical realms.
Linda Chapman writes series featuring magical creatures and young characters discovering their special abilities. Her books focus on similar themes of identity and friendship while incorporating fantasy elements into contemporary settings.