Mermaid Dreams
Barbie Series
on Goodreads (67)
What’s inside...
Meriam loves many activities, but she dreads getting ready for bed. After a thrilling day filled with underwater adventures, her mother finds evidence of sea escapades while combing Meriam's hair. As her fantastic tales of swimming with dolphins and diving for pearls unfold, it becomes clear that Meriam is not just pretending - she is a real-life mermaid. This enchanting bedtime story captures the fantasy of being a mermaid and the familiar childhood routine of washing up before bed, topped with a fascinating twist in the tale.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Mermaid Mai wished for in her dreams?
How did the sea creatures help Mai feel better?
What would you do if you had a dream about a magical underwater world?
Why is friendship important in 'Mermaid Dreams'?
How can we be good friends like the sea creatures were to Mai?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by using open-ended questions.
Discuss with your child the role of each character and ask them which character they liked the most and why.
Connect the stories' themes to real-life situations, such as talking about times when they helped a friend or felt scared.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your voice for different characters, to make the storytelling more engaging.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite part of the book or a new sea creature not featured in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'Mermaid Dreams', the protagonist encounters various sea creatures that are different from her, illustrating the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect individuals from different backgrounds and cultures, promoting social harmony.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of friendship through the protagonist's interactions and mutual support with other sea creatures.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to nurture their friendships and understand the importance of helping and caring for others.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore
Explanation: The young mermaid's journey into unknown parts of the ocean serves as a metaphor for exploring new experiences without fear.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to try new activities, meet new people, and embrace new ideas, fostering a sense of adventure and confidence.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Mermaid Dreams,' the characters face various challenges which they must solve, highlighting problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges, applying these skills in schoolwork and daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates resilience by persisting in her quest despite obstacles, teaching persistence.
Real-World Application: This story teaches children the importance of resilience in achieving goals and overcoming difficulties in life.