The Singing Mermaid
What’s inside...
The Singing Mermaid tells the story of a talented mermaid who is lured away from her home by the promise of fame and fortune in a circus. However, she soon realizes that the circus life is not all that it seemed and she longs to return to the sea. With the help of her new friends, she must find a way to escape and return to her ocean home. The story is written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks. It is known for its brilliant rhyming verse, bright and distinctive illustrations, and a gorgeously glittery cover. Enjoy all the stories from Julia Donaldson including Sharing a Shell, The Princess and the Wizard, and many more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the mermaid wanted to sing in the circus?
How do you feel about the way the mermaid was treated by the circus master?
What would you have done if you were one of the mermaid's friends in the story?
Why is it important to help others, like the creatures helped the singing mermaid?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, focusing on understanding the mermaid’s emotions throughout the book.
Discuss the concept of friendship and kindness as portrayed in the book, asking your child about times they have experienced similar situations.
Use expressive reading to enhance the emotive parts of the story, especially during the mermaid’s performances and her interactions with other characters.
Relate the story's themes to real-life situations to help your child make personal connections with the mermaid’s experiences.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes or characters from the book to reinforce the narrative and themes discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The Singing Mermaid showcases the titular character's relentless effort to escape captivity and return to her ocean home despite adversities.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and determination when facing their own challenges, whether it's completing a difficult school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey, the mermaid is supported by her sea creature friends who help her devise a plan to escape. This highlights the significance of having supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build and maintain meaningful friendships, understanding that friends can provide support and help solve problems together.
Example Lesson: Being wary of false promises
Explanation: The Singing Mermaid is initially lured into captivity by the promise of fame and fortune, which turns out to be a deception.
Real-World Application: This serves as a cautionary tale for children to critically evaluate opportunities and be cautious of situations that seem too good to be true.
Example Lesson: Appreciating one's own environment
Explanation: Upon escaping and returning to her ocean home, the mermaid truly appreciates her surroundings and the freedom she once took for granted.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their own environment and the benefits it offers, fostering a sense of gratitude and contentment.