Enchanting Stories That Celebrate Magic, Friendship, and the Sea
Mermaids have captured children’s imaginations for generations. With their flowing hair, shimmering tails, and lives beneath the waves, mermaids inspire creativity, storytelling, and a deep love for ocean adventures.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite mermaid books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included fun under-the-sea activity ideas and thoughtful questions to help make these stories even more magical. Let me know which mermaid tale becomes your little one’s favorite splash!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Mermaids?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Mermaids
- 11 Mermaid Books For Children
- What Mermaid Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Mermaids?
Mermaid books blend fantasy and self-discovery in beautiful ways.
These stories often explore bravery, kindness, friendship, and being true to yourself—while setting the stage in colorful underwater worlds. Whether your child loves the idea of swimming with dolphins or exploring coral castles, mermaid books let imaginations soar.
Reading about mermaids helps kids dream big and dive deep into creative storytelling.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Mermaids
Books about mermaids can teach confidence, courage, and compassion.
Mermaid characters often deal with challenges like finding their voice, feeling different, or standing up for what’s right. These themes support emotional growth, while also introducing young readers to topics like ocean life and environmental care.
Mermaid books gently remind children that their uniqueness is powerful—and that kindness shines, even under the sea.
How to Use Books about Mermaids with Children
Here are some splash-worthy ways to bring mermaid stories to life:
- 🧜‍♀️ Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What would your mermaid name be? or What sea creature would be your best friend? Use Turn and Talk in class or snuggle-time chats at home to spark creativity.
- 🪸 Engage in Mermaid-Themed Activities: Make mermaid crowns, seashell necklaces, or underwater dioramas. Create ocean slime, paint sea creatures, or write your own mermaid story. You could even host a “mermaid tea party” with books and bubbles!
- đź“š Refer Back to the Books: During discussions about emotions, the environment, or friendship, connect to the mermaid characters. Say: Remember how the mermaid was scared but helped anyway? That was brave!
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Share mermaid books as bedtime stories or take them along to the pool or beach. Caregivers can extend the magic with pretend play, dress-up, or simple storytelling games based on the books.
11 Mermaid Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 The Little Mermaid by Hannah Eliot
đź”— View on Amazon
A beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic mermaid tale with a multicultural twist.
Activity Idea: Create your own mermaid puppet using paper, yarn, and stickers.
Discussion Questions:
- How is this version of The Little Mermaid different from others you’ve heard?
- What do you think the mermaid was feeling when she left the sea?
- Would you rather live underwater or on land? Why?
#2 Peppa’s Mermaid Adventure by EOne
đź”— View on Amazon
Peppa and her friends throw a magical mermaid party full of sparkle and imagination.
Activity Idea: Make your own paper crown or tail for a mermaid party.
Discussion Questions:
- What games would you play at a mermaid party?
- What made Peppa’s day special?
- Who would you invite to your mermaid adventure?
#3 Pearl by Molly Idle
đź”— View on Amazon
A stunning picture book about the importance of small things and quiet strength.
Activity Idea: Draw your own underwater world with a special hidden pearl.
Discussion Questions:
- What did Pearl learn about her small task?
- How can small things make a big difference?
- What is something you take care of that matters to you?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Where Do Mermaids Go On Vacation by Kim Ann
đź”— View on Amazon
A fun rhyming story about mermaids traveling to imaginative destinations.
Activity Idea: Plan your own dream vacation—mermaid-style!
Discussion Questions:
- What was your favorite place the mermaids visited?
- Where would you go on vacation if you were a mermaid?
- What would you pack in your shell suitcase?
#5 How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace
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A humorous adventure about trying to trap a clever mermaid.
Activity Idea: Design your own mermaid trap using craft materials.
Discussion Questions:
- Why didn’t the trap work?
- What would you do differently to catch a mermaid?
- Do you think the mermaid wanted to be caught?
#6 Mermaid School by Joanne Stewart Wetzel
đź”— View on Amazon
Join Molly as she navigates her first day of school—under the sea!
Activity Idea: Make a school supply list for an underwater classroom.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Molly feel on her first day?
- What are some differences between your school and mermaid school?
- What would you be most excited to learn underwater?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Mermaid Day by Diana Murray
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Celebrate the seasons and strawberry picking in this lovely farm-to-table tale.
Activity Idea: Visit a farmers’ market or pretend-play berry picking.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s special about springtime?
- How do strawberries get from the farm to us?
- What’s your favorite spring activity?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 The Mermaid by Jan Brett
đź”— View on Amazon
A retelling of Goldilocks with an undersea twist starring a curious mermaid.
Activity Idea: Compare this story to Goldilocks and the Three Bears with a Venn diagram.
Discussion Questions:
- What was the same and what was different from the original Goldilocks story?
- What would you do if you discovered a sea otter’s home?
- Should the mermaid have gone inside?
#9 Lola by Sarah Cullen
đź”— View on Amazon
Lola is a brave mermaid who overcomes obstacles to find her voice and save the day.
Activity Idea: Draw a comic strip showing your own brave moment like Lola.
Discussion Questions:
- What made Lola brave?
- What’s a time you were brave, even when it was hard?
- What would you do if you had to help your ocean friends?
#10 The Mermaid Moon by Briony May Smith
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Two best friends—one human, one mermaid—reunite during the magical Mermaid Moon.
Activity Idea: Write a story about a human and mermaid friendship.
Discussion Questions:
- What made the Mermaid Moon special?
- How did the friends help each other?
- What do you like about stories of friendship?
#11 All About Mermaids by Izzy Quinn
đź”— View on Amazon
A magical guide to mermaid life, history, and fun facts with dreamy illustrations.
Activity Idea: Make a mermaid fact book of your own.
Discussion Questions:
- What new mermaid facts did you learn?
- If you were a mermaid, what would your tail look like?
- What job or hobby would you have underwater?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Mermaid Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Mermaid books for kids offer waves of imagination, heart, and meaningful lessons. Whether you’re diving into a fantasy world or learning about the ocean, these stories help kids feel confident, creative, and connected to nature.
Which mermaid adventure will you explore next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite fin-tastic reads, crafts, or pretend play ideas!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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