The Little Mermaid
A mermaid dreams of a life beyond the sea and faces difficult choices about what she longs for.
A story to read together
The Little Mermaid
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
Deep beneath the blue sea lived a young mermaid who loved collecting stories from shipwrecks and listening to sailors’ songs. She wondered what life was like on shore. Her family reminded her that the sea was her home, but they listened to her questions.
A dream above the waves
One stormy night, the mermaid saw a ship tossed by the waves. A young sailor fell into the sea, and she helped guide him to a safe beach before the storm passed.
A difficult bargain
The mermaid visited a sea witch, hoping to walk on shore. The witch offered a potion that would give her legs, but demanded the mermaid’s voice in return.
Finding her own voice
On land, the mermaid met the sailor again. He was grateful for her help, but he did not know she had saved him. They became friends through drawings, gestures and shared adventures.
A choice that felt true
Before the full moon, the mermaid returned to the sea. The witch kept her bargain and gave back her voice. The mermaid told her family everything and felt relief at being heard.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
What does the mermaid hope to discover beyond the sea?
How do her choices affect the people around her?
Which parts of her dream did the mermaid keep, even after returning to the sea?
Make something: Draw two places the mermaid loves. Add a bridge between them and write what she shares across it.
