Our top picks of Mighty Girl books about mermaids!
For hundreds of years, and in ocean-bordered countries around the world, people have dreamed about mysterious creatures — part human, part fish — that live under the waves: mermaids! Many traditional fairy tales turn mermaids into passive figures, waiting around to be discovered or to fall in love with a human man. But there are much more engaging and empowering mermaid stories to be told, ones that play with the myth to tell stories of secret underwater worlds, exciting adventures, and magical friendships!
In this blog post, we're sharing our favorite Mighty Girl mermaid stories, perfect for sharing with kids of all ages! From whimsical picture books to laugh-out-loud chapter books to thoughtful graphic novels, these stories are sure to delight young mermaid fans eager to imagine themselves exploring the ocean depths.
Mighty Girl Books About Mermaids
Mabel: A Mermaid Fable
Mabel: A Mermaid Fable
Mabel's mother, father, and even her baby brother all have glorious mustaches... but Mabel's face is completely bare. And while she tries to conceal it with everything from seaweed falsies to shells on her nose, her peers still tease her mercilessly. Then she meets Lucky, a seven-legged octopus, who also feels like he doesn't belong. It's not long before he and kind-hearted Mabel have struck up a friendship that gives them confidence to be themselves! Full of vibrant illustrations of Mabel's undersea world, kids will dive in to this story of self-acceptance and friendship.
The Mermaid Moon
The Mermaid Moon
Merrin and Molly are the best of friends, but there's just one problem: Merrin is a mermaid and Molly is a human! So while they can play all they want on the water, Merrin has never been able to visit Molly at home. Fortunately, once a year, there's a Mermaid Moon, when sea creatures can fly through the air — and Merrin is finally old enough to go. United with her friend on land for the first time, Merrin joins Molly at the Mermaid Moon festival. They eat ice cream, ride a swing in Molly's backyard, and even climb a tree! But when the night comes to an end, Merrin's not sure how to get down... and if she doesn't get back home before the moon sets, the Mermaid Moon's magic will be broken forever. This delightful picture book with its just-suspenseful-enough climax is perfect for anyone who's dreamed of a mermaid friend.
The Girl and the MermaidNew!
The Girl and the MermaidNew!
Granny's lighthouse is full of glowing light and magical stories — but Alina gets worried when Granny's memories start to fade. What will happen if Granny forgets her stories altogether? Then, one day, a mermaid appears and beckons Alina to join her on a journey deep under the waves. There, Alina discovers "a city filled with endless light" where stories flow from an endless well. Not only can the mermaids give her more stories, but they also teach her that the best way to preserve a story is to share it, far and wide. With a little ingenuity, Alina finds a way to help the stories beam across the night sky, reassuring both her and Granny that the stories will live on. The creators of The Girl and the Dinosaur have crafted a gentle story about imagination, storytelling, and the love between a grandmother and a granddaughter.
Mermaid and Me
Mermaid and Me
This little girl has always loved Mermaids, even when her classmates laughed at the very idea. And one day, at the beach, she actually meets one! Mermaid becomes a best friend, despite the challenges they face living in two different worlds, and they share adventures from tea parties to saving sea turtles. But when a stormy night stirs up pollution that threatens the Mermaid's life, the pair have to part. However, the little girl promises to help care for the ocean — leading to a joyful reunion many years later! This gorgeous quietly environmental tale by Soosh, best-selling author/illustrator of Dad By My Side, also celebrates the power of belief and the enduring strength of friendship.
The Mermaid and The Shoe
The Mermaid and The Shoe
Neptune’s 50 daughters all have some remarkable talent, but little Minnow doesn’t think she has any special gift. The only thing she’s good at is asking questions, sneers her older sister; how can that be a talent? Then Minnow finds a strange object — a red shoe — and nobody she asks seems to know where it's from or what it's for. Minnow can't let the thought rest, and her curiosity prompts her to follow it to its source. There, she discovers an astounding new world... and learns that there’s value to asking questions and being unique. With gorgeous watercolor and pencil crayon illustrations, and a story that celebrates inquiring minds and determined seekers, this is a captivating story perfect for mermaid fans.
Oona
Oona
Oona may be the littlest mermaid in the sea, but she's also one of the bravest, and her favorite thing to do is hunt for treasure with her otter friend Otto! Of course, sometimes that results in a bit of trouble... but nothing Oona can't handle. Until one day, a treasure she wants more than anything — a sparkly crown — is so deep and so stuck that Oona gives up on trying to recover it... and on treasure hunting. Without her favorite activity, Oona loses her verve for a while... until a seashell sparks a creative idea that gets her back to her usual clever, mischievous, and determined self! With vibrant underwater scenes and a main character that's irrepressibly delightful, this book is sure to make a splash.
Pearl
Pearl
In Pearl's world, mermaids care for the undersea realm, and all of the other mermaids tend something big: vast forests of kelp, endless beaches, or giant ocean creatures. So when it's Pearl's turn to get an assignment, she's heartbroken when her mother gives here a tiny grain of sand. Despite her dismay, she's determined to care for her little piece of sand — and soon she realizes that it glows... and grows! In fact, it's not long before Pearl's giant glowing sphere takes a special place, lighting up the night sky. A gentle tale of perseverance and patience, this story also reminds kids not to discount the smallest things, which might become the most important.
The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess
The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess
The Princess in Black and her friends are enjoying a special day on Princess Sneezewort's royal boar when suddenly, they get an unexpected guest: a real live mermaid princess! Princess Posy has a kraken problem, and she asks the Princess in Black for help defending her sea goats from its hungry tentacles. The princesses and the Goat Avenger are ready to help, but they quickly run into a problem: land dwellers can't battle so well under water. It's time to teach Princess Posy how to raise her own voice! The ninth installment in this best-selling series is sure to delight mermaid fans and superhero lovers alike!
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid
Melody is a mermaid who wants to explore rather than singing in the choir with her sisters — especially once she spots a human on land who she thinks will be the perfect friend. After trading her voice for a pair of legs, Melody gets her wish and meets Zion, a bug-loving girl who quickly becomes a fast friend... but all too soon, Melody learns that the Sea Witch used her voice to gain the power to attack her family's realm. When Melody reveals the truth, Zion encourages her to return, reminding her, "you should have never given up your voice... for anything." This lush and powerful reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen classic by Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney creates a story of friendship, claiming your own power, and fighting for what matters most.
The World of Emily Windsnap: Emily’s Big Discovery
The World of Emily Windsnap: Emily’s Big Discovery
Emily Windsnap lives in a houseboat right next to the beach — but she doesn't know how to swim. Her mother has always told her to stay out of the water, so Emily can only look on as the other kids play in the waves. When swimming lessons start at school, she figures that's her chance to show her mom she can be safe in the water... but something strange happens when she gets in the pool, and it feels like her legs are stuck together. Determined to figure out what's going on, Emily sneaks out to the ocean that night... and realizes that her legs change into a shiny tail! Emily is a mermaid — and her adventures are just beginning. With rich text and colorful illustrations throughout, this new chapter book brings the work of the best-selling Emily Windsnap series to newly independent readers.
Emily Windsnap: Six Swishy Tails of Land and Sea
Emily Windsnap: Six Swishy Tails of Land and Sea
Emily Windsnap is half-human, half-mermaid, and the moment she discovers her true heritage, she's off on a series of underwater adventures! But there are dangers that Emily, who was raised as a human, isn't prepared for in the world of the merpeople — and when she makes mistakes, the consequences can be enormous. Fortunately, she has good friends to help her find her way. This beautiful collection includes the first six books from the Emily Windsnap series in paperback editions. For more books in the series, visit our Emily Windsnap Collection.
Fish Girl
Fish Girl
Mira is a mermaid, and she lives in a boardwalk aquarium owned by "King Neptune," the man she believes rescued her. But when she meets an ordinary girl, lonely Mira develops an unexpected friendship -- one that makes her question everything that she knows. Is King Neptune really the rescuer she believes him to be -- and even if he is, why does he treat her so poorly? And why should she stay in an aquarium when she dreams of freedom? Author Donna Jo Napoli and author / illustrator David Weisner team up to create a magical and thought-provoking story about freedom, independence, and friendship.
