The Little Mermaid Picture Book: Part of Their World
#5 in Disney Princess Picture Book Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (344)
What’s inside...
Ariel, a young mermaid, dreams of exploring the human world. After making a dangerous deal with the Sea Witch Ursula, Ariel embarks on an adventure that soon turns into jeopardy. With the help of her friends, Ariel must discover the true meaning of bravery, love and sacrifice to save the day and find her place in the world. Visit the beautiful undersea world of Disney's beloved classic The Little Mermaid. Ariel has always loved living under the sea. One day she finds a shimmering surprise-her first object from the surface! Before long, her new treasure has her thinking about the world above, what the object does, and whether those two legged creatures called humans are as dangerous as they sound. Available just in time for The Little Mermaid's Blu-ray rerelease in October 2013, this original picture book is beautifully illustrated in a fun new art style.
Discussion points
What do you think Ariel dreams about when she looks at the world above the sea?
How do you feel when Ariel makes a deal with Ursula? What would you have done in her situation?
Ariel and her friends face many challenges. Which one was the most difficult, and why do you think so?
What does 'being part of their world' mean to you after reading this story?
How do the choices Ariel makes affect the other characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine curiosity in your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking. Avoid yes or no questions to keep the conversation flowing.
Relate the themes of the story to your child’s experiences. For example, discuss times when your child wanted something really badly and what choices they made to try to get it.
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life. This will help your child connect emotionally and spark a discussion about character traits and motivations.
Pause after dramatic moments in the story to gauge your child’s understanding and thoughts on what might happen next.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the story and the real world. Discussing Ariel’s curiosity can lead to a conversation about the importance of exploring and learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story demonstrates empathy through Ariel's curiosity and desire to understand the human world, despite being from the underwater kingdom.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of understanding perspectives different from their own, fostering an inclusive attitude towards others.
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: Ariel shows courage when she decides to explore the unknown world above the sea, facing many challenges along the way.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and be open to new experiences, building resilience.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Decisions
Explanation: Ariel faces both positive and negative consequences from her choices, particularly when she trades her voice for legs.
Real-World Application: Children learn about accountability and the importance of thoughtful decision-making in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Ariel is supported by her friends Flounder and Sebastian, highlighting the value of true friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson serves as a reminder for children to cherish and support their friends, helping them build strong social bonds.
Example Lesson: Dreams and Determination
Explanation: Ariel's persistent pursuit of her dream to live in the human world exemplifies determination.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of pursuing their dreams with dedication, inspiring them to set and achieve their own goals.