16 Enchanting Mermaid Books for Kids
by Rosemary D'Urso
There’s a reason why mermaids have enchanted people for thousands of years. The thought of their undersea adventures is captivating! Books about mermaids are guaranteed to add a little magic to any storytime, and we’ve put together a list of stories that are sure to make a splash.
Children will love diving deeper into the mesmerizing marine world, where they can gain new insight into their favorite mythical creatures by observing their daily habits, learning about mermaid school, and following along on their many exciting exploits. From shimmery board books to mysterious middle grade novels, there’s a book for every mermaid lover.
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Mermaids Are Real!
Available from:Fanciful tidbits fill this bright board book that will dazzle little mermaid lovers as they discover fun facts about their favorite underwater creatures. They won’t see the ocean the same way after learning that a mermaid’s laughter creates bubbles or that they accessorize with seashells.
(Ages 0 - 3)Also available from: -
Baby Touch and Feel Mermaid
Available from:Little hands will love exploring a mermaid’s shimmering tail, a bumpy seahorse, and a sea king’s soft beard in this delightful touch-and-feel book. With a variety of textures and upbeat rhymes, this is a perfect choice for young mermaid fans.
(Ages 0 - 3)Also available from: -
Little Mermaid
Available from:It’s bedtime in the kingdom of the merpeople, but little Splash wants to squeeze in a few more adventures before she goes to sleep. As the countdown begins, the rhyming text follows Splash as she dives through waves, swims with rainbow fish, and cavorts with crabs. As she finally winds down to sleep, readers will go to bed ready to dream of their own undersea escapades.
(Ages 3 - 6)Also available from: -
Harmony & Echo
Available from:Experience the enchanting tale of a mermaid who conquers her shyness and stage fright while preparing for the Mermaid Ballet in a mesmerizing underwater world. This picture book introduces the delightful characters of Harmony and Echo, two irresistible mermaids, created by the illustrator of the bestselling Uni the Unicorn.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
The Good Little Mermaid's Guide to Bedtime
Available from:Sleep time-avoidants will love this little mermaid, who thinks sleep is no match for her! In this funny tale that goes back and forth between a bedtime guide and her defiant resistance, little reader's laughs will turn into zzz’s in no time!
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Uni the Unicorn: Mermaid Helper
Available from:Get ready for an enchanting journey in the Real World as Uni embarks on a thrilling adventure! One day, while taking a walk, she meets a fascinating mermaid who is eager to discover everything about the world above water. Uni can't wait to help the mermaid fulfill her dream and together they set out on a grand magical quest. Where will Uni begin? Join them to find out and experience a world of wonder and excitement like never before!
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Mermaids' Song to the Sea
Available from:Dive into a mesmerizing undersea adventure, where three adorable mermaids share their bedtime blessings with these sweet creatures of the coral reef. With gorgeous rhymes and lush illustrations, you'll follow the mermaid troubadours as they sing their blessing to sharks, fish, whales, sea snails, and more. From acclaimed poet Dianna Hutts Aston, get ready to be swept away!
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Mermaid School
Available from:This magical twist on a first-day-of-school book is utterly charming! Children will relish observing a group of mermaids participating in several familiar acts such as making friends, creating art, learning to count, and reciting their A-B-Seas. Both reassuring and amusing, this sweet story is perfect for reading at home or in the classroom.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
All About Mermaids
Available from:Lush illustrations adorn the pages of this enchanting book that informs readers of a mermaid’s lifestyle. From their food preferences to their upbringing and fondness for floating upright while sleeping, children will love learning fascinating facts while pouring over the gorgeous illustrations of diverse mermaids.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Mermaid Kenzie
Available from:Kenzie's deep passion for the ocean drives her to take action by cleaning up the beach when her mermaid-tail swimsuit gets tangled in floating plastic bags. She resourcefully tackles the problem to protect the environment she loves in this enchanting poetic picture book.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
The Mermaid Moon
Available from:Follow two best friends, one who lives on land and the other in the water, who embark on an exciting adventure during the Mermaid Moon - the only time of year when mermaids can leave the sea.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
The Mermaid
Available from:Inspired by her trip to a Japanese aquarium, Jan Brett has created a unique retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears that is a real feast for the eyes. Rich, detailed artwork draws readers in as they follow a little mermaid boldly entering the seashell house of an octopus family. While there are many similarities to the original story, several clever changes add to the fun. Adults and children alike will love pouring through the pages of this one!
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
The Little Mermaid
Available from:Newly independent readers will be excited to dive into this beginning reader that skillfully reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale of The Little Mermaid. This one is perfect for children transitioning to chapter books.
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
Rónán and the Mermaid: A Tale of Old Ireland
Available from:Get transported to medieval Ireland with this engaging legend. When Rónán washes ashore, he regales the monks who find him with tales of a mermaid who saved him. After being nursed back to health, Rónán develops a love of music and shares his harp song with the sea. One day, a familiar tune answers his melody, and the mermaid and boy are reunited. With its timeless feel and message of kindness, it has the feel of a classic.
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
The Little Mermaid
Available from:Children ready for longer stories will eagerly read this exquisite translation of the original Little Mermaid fairy tale. The wonderfully descriptive language follows a young mermaid who longs to be part of the world above her watery kingdom. After falling in love with a prince, she embarks upon a life-changing quest to make her dreams come true. This powerful and poignant tale is one that readers will never forget.
(Ages 7 - 10)Also available from: -
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
Available from:This magical middle grade novel stars Emily, who is shocked to discover that she transforms into a mermaid when she steps into the ocean for the first time. Fantasy lovers will delight in following Emily through her adventures under the sea as she tries to solve the mystery of who her father is while making new friends in the process. This captivating series is a lot of fun!
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024.