Mermaid School
#1 of 4 in Mermaid School Series
What’s inside...
It is Marnie Blue's very first day at Lady Sealia Foam’s Mermaid School, and she's terrified. What if she can't make any new friends, or if she's asked to ride a seahorse? What's more, her famous diva aunt Christabel was a notorious rebel at the same school, and got up to all sorts of naughtiness. Marnie is soon branded a troublemaker by her grumpy octopus music teacher and wants nothing more than to clam up. But when a fellow pupil finds herself in danger, it's up to Marnie to show that daring runs in the family and swim to the rescue. Filled with fabulous fishy fun, this story is about overcoming fears and helping others.
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to go to a school under the sea like the mermaids in the book?
How did the characters in the story handle their challenges? What would you have done in their place?
What did you learn about friendship from the adventures of the mermaids in the book?
If you could create your own underwater adventure, what would it look like? Who would be your friends?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the underwater world of the book, prompting them to describe it through their eyes.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used by the characters, linking them to real-life situations your child might face.
Point out moments of teamwork in the story and relate them to the advantages of working together both in and out of school.
Ask your child to draw their version of an underwater school and discuss what unique classes they would include.
Encourage empathy by discussing how the characters might have felt during key moments in the book and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'Mermaid School', the little mermaid Marnie interacts with classmates from various undersea backgrounds, showcasing different skills and traits.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of inclusivity and respect for others, regardless of differences, promoting harmony and understanding in diverse settings like school.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Marnie and her friends work together during a school project to achieve a common goal, highlighting the benefits of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others, share ideas, and support their peers in group activities or team sports.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: Marnie faces challenges adjusting to school but perseveres and eventually finds joy and success.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether it's adapting to a new environment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Discovery and Learning
Explanation: The book portrays curiosity and excitement about learning new things at mermaid school, from singing sea shanties to learning about tides.
Real-World Application: This nurtures a love for learning in children, encouraging them to explore new subjects and activities enthusiastically.