The Mermaid
What’s inside...
An under-the-sea version of Goldilocks. When Kiniro, a young mermaid, comes upon a gorgeous house made of seashells and coral, she is so curious that she goes inside. She's thrilled to find a just-right breakfast, pretty little chair, and, best of all, a comfy bed that rocks in the current. But when the Octopus family returns home, they are not happy to find that someone has been eating their food and breaking their things. Baby has the biggest shock when she finds the mermaid asleep in her bed! Luckily, shock turns to happiness when Kiniro gives her a thoughtful gift before escaping from the twenty-four arms coming her way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life under the sea would be like for the mermaid?
How did the mermaid's actions show her kindness and bravery?
Why do you think the mermaid was curious about the human world?
How did the other sea creatures help the mermaid in her adventure?
What would you do if you were in the mermaid's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own underwater adventure, inspired by the mermaid's story.
Discuss the importance of helping others and being brave, drawing parallels to the mermaid's actions in the story.
Ask your child what they would be curious about if they visited a completely different world, like the mermaid did.
Together, explore the characteristics of different sea creatures mentioned in the book and their roles in the story.
Encourage your child to think about the story's moral and what lessons they can learn from the mermaid’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'The Mermaid,' the young mermaid Kiniro encounters and interacts with creatures and environments that are different from her underwater home. This interaction with diverse characters highlights the importance of accepting and appreciating differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate the diverse cultures, abilities, and perspectives of people in their own lives, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Kiniro's journey out of her familiar underwater world into an unknown place demonstrates her curiosity and willingness to explore. This aspect of the story encourages children to be curious and explore new things around them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to discover and learn about new subjects, engage in new activities, and ask questions about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Kiniro learns to take responsibility for her actions, especially when they affect others around her. This theme is woven into the narrative as she makes decisions that have consequences for both her and new friends she meets.
Real-World Application: Children can learn from Kiniro's experiences by understanding the impact of their actions on others and taking responsibility in their personal and school life.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book illustrates various challenges that Kiniro faces, such as navigating new environments and solving problems she encounters. These scenarios teach problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: By mirroring Kiniro’s problem-solving methods, children can improve their ability to think critically and solve problems they face in everyday situations, such as resolving conflicts with peers or overcoming obstacles in their tasks.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Kiniro faces many challenges during her adventure, but she doesn't give up. Her resilience in overcoming obstacles is a key element of the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether in school, in sports, or in personal relationships, fostering a strong and resilient character.