13 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.

  • Mermaids Are Real!

    by Holly Hatam

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    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)

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  • Baby Touch and Feel Mermaid

    by DK

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    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)

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  • Little Mermaid

    by Rhiannon Fielding, illustrated by Chris Chatterton

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    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)

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  • Harmony & Echo

    By Brigette Barrager

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    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)

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  • Mermaid School

    by Joanne Stewart Wetzel, illustrated by Julianna Swaney

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    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)

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  • All About Mermaids

    by Izzy Quinn, illustrated by Vlad Stankovic

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    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)

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  • Mermaid Kenzie

    by Charlotte Watson Sherman, illustrated by Geneva Bowers

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    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)

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  • The Mermaid Moon

    by Briony May Smith

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    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)

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  • The Mermaid

    by Jan Brett

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    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)

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  • The Little Mermaid

    by Deborah Hautzig, illustrated by Darcy May

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    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)

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  • Rónán and the Mermaid: A Tale of Old Ireland

    by Marianne McShane, illustrated by Jordi Solano

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    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)

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  • The Little Mermaid

    by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Helen Crawford-White, translated by Misha Hoekstra

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    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)

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  • The Tail of Emily Windsnap

    by Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb

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    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)

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2023.