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Mermaids In Books: 4 Titles For Children

B eautiful, mysterious, and enchanting, legends and stories of mermaids have fascinated children for thousands of years. Tales of their glistening, patterned tails, flowy hair, and thrilling undersea adventures are a sure way of keeping your child hooked during storytime, no matter how old they are.

If you’re looking to sprinkle a bit of magic and mystique into your child’s favourite part of the day, here’s a special list of the top four mermaid books for children that are bound to get your child’s imagination flowing!

1. The Little Mermaid by Dan Taylor

Most of us have watched (or at least heard of) the 1989 Disney film, The Little Mermaid, with its central character, Ariel, being loved by children all around the globe. However, the Disney version is so popular that very few people know the true origins of the character and the story.

The Little Mermaid was first penned down by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837. Since then, the story has been adapted and moulded into many different versions and movies. While the original story is an incredible read, it is a gothic tale that might not be suitable for younger readers.

However, the Dan Taylor adaptation of this Danish fairytale, also titled ‘The Little Mermaid’, is a charming picture book perfect for toddlers and children up to 5 or 6 years old. The story follows the journey of the central character, a mermaid named Ariel, who makes a deal to give up her life at sea in exchange for a human soul. Packed with exciting characters, witches, secret potions, and of course, a gripping tale of love, Dan Taylor’s work marvellously brings the original story back to life for a younger audience to enjoy. If your child is a visual learner or loves picture books, this version comes complete with stunning illustrations and interactive push-and-pull mechanisms that will let your child get hands-on and fall head-first into the story.

2. All About Mermaids by Izzy Quinn

Nothing makes a better mermaid book for children than a whimsical picture book that spills all the deepest secrets about these mysterious creatures!

Mermaid fanatics will delight to get their hands on this splendid copy by Izzy Quinn, with elaborate, luminescent illustrations that let children dive deep into the world of mermaids. This particular version also stands out for its diverse depiction of mermaids of different ages and body types, which is always refreshing to see! From where mermaids are found, to their sleeping habits, how they raise their young, and what delicacies they like to munch on, this book is the ultimate guide to mermaids and is bound to get your little one thoroughly engrossed within its pages.

3. Stories of Mermaids by Russell Punter

One mermaid story not enough to satisfy your curious child? How about three-in-one?

This illustrated mermaid book by Russell Punter contains three original, exciting stories about these fantastical creatures, with simple, easy-to-follow text that is ideal for new readers. The book comes complete with enchanting illustrations by Desideria Guicciardini to help your child visually follow along the mermaids’ journeys as they visit the spooky Pirates’ Graveyard, dance their way through the sea, and conspire to sabotage the Great Seahorse Race!

4. The Mermaid by Jan Brett

Combining the world-famous Goldilocks tale with a stunning under-the-sea twist, this New York Times bestselling book by Jan Brett is a well-loved mermaid book for children. This book is inspired by the author’s visit to a Japanese aquarium, and the intricate artwork further adds to the air of magic and fantasy this book creates. The story revolves around Kiniro, a young mermaid who stumbles upon a gorgeous coral house, and unable to resist the temptation, ends up going inside. Beautifully inculcating elements from the original Goldilocks tale, Jan takes her young readers on an exciting journey with stunning seashell homes, delicious breakfasts, and, of course, a comfy bed that sways gently with the sea waves.

This concludes our list of the top four mermaid books for children. No matter which book you choose to buy first, we are sure your child will absolutely love these exquisitely illustrated copies, packed to the brim with mermaid facts, tales, and artwork to feed their endless curiosity! We hope you liked this list, and wish you happy reading!