I loved this! The story and art are both beautifully done. I liked the line “focus on what you do have instead of worrying about what you don’t have”.

We need to have more fantasy books with disability representation.

Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

I love this book and it's message about overcoming obstacles. This children's book follows the story of Tatiana, a mermaid who doesn't have a tale, who dreams of competing in the mermaid games. Everyone makes fun of her because she doesn't have a tale, but she is determined to compete. She travels far and wide to find a coach who will teach her how to use what she has to her advantage. A great book featuring a main character with a disability that's a great story for all kids.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A heartwarming story based on a true story. You may not be like others but that shouldn't discourage you from doing what you want to do. It is an important message for children to hear. No matter your ability or identity, you can do anything with determination. The illustrations were colorful and fun. I read this book with my granddaughter and she loved the story and the beautiful illustrations.
Thank you to the author, Sounds True Publishing and NetGalley. I was able to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
#themermaidwithnotail, #NetGalley, #mermaid, #swimming

I really like the representation in the story, and I think that we need more books like this! The art was gorgeous, and this will be a great addition to any mermaid-lover's shelf. However, I would have loved to see this story as a picture book biography instead OR incorporate some images that illustrate the parallels. In my opinion, I think making the direct/visual connection to the real life counterparts would make this more appealing to a wider audience. The author's note is nice, but younger readers may skip over it, which is a shame because it's such a great story!

Absolutely ADORABLE book! This would definitely help children realize that they can do anything they set their minds to.

This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I love the message and story. The author shares her own story in a way that is very inspirational to children (and grown ups). It's a great story to learn about and accept differences in ourselves and in others. I also thought the artwork was beautiful.

This picture book has a sweet story and beautiful, expressive illustrations. It is inspired by the author's experience as an adopted child and Paralympic swimming champion, and the fantasy characters and setting keep the book lighthearted and fun for kids. The text doesn't always flow ideally and the message is a little preachy, but this is much better than many comparable celebrity-written picture books, and the basis in the author's experience makes the story particularly meaningful.

This book is great for kids who like mermaid stories or are interested in sports, and parents and educators will enjoy using this book as a talking point about disabilities and overcoming obstacles to work towards your goals.

The Mermaid with No Tail is an inspiring story about learning how to thrive with what you do have instead of focusing on what you don't have. I LOVE that this is inspired by the author's own story of being a Paralympian and adoptee. The illustrations were so cute and I loved the "Phelpsy" coach ;) Will definitely be recommending and buying a copy!

Thank you to Netgalley and True Publishing for an advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.

I love the disability representation in this book. However, the book is very short and does not develop a strong storyline. I feel better character and plot development could benefit the story.

“The Thing that makes you different is your greatest gift.”

What an incredible message!! I loved this book. It’s based on the true story of para Olympian and most decorated athlete of all time, Jessica Long (born Tatiana Olegovna Kirillova). I love that Long chose to tell her story as most decorated athlete through the perspective of a beautifully decorated mermaid. This art style was so magical and compelling.

A wonderfully personal picture book memoir.

This was such a lovely read! The story, based off the author's own life story, is such an important one for children to hear as they grow up, no matter their ability or identity — "the thing that makes you different is your greatest gift." Paired with stunning illustrated visuals, the story is fun to read and so powerful.

This was a very cute children’s book!!! The illustrations are really good….My little boy loves it. It has a great message as well.

This is the story of a mermaid achieving her dreams with determination and hard work. But more importantly, it is based off of the life of the author! Tatiana the mermaid is a character many kids will look up to. And I will never get tired of books that have the powerful theme that being different is what makes you special!

This is a beautiful story. The illustrations are gorgeous and the text engaging. I think children and adults alike will really enjoy this heartwarming story.

A magical and heartwarming story! This book is a perfect lesson of not letting our differences get in the way of our dreams! It reminds us that being different is special and to not let it hold us back from the “impossible”. The illustrations in this story are absolutely beautiful! I loved that she goes to the shark Phelpsy (as in Michael Phelps) to help her train to win the swim meet! Such a precious feel good book! I love that the author is Jessica Long, who is an American Paralympic swimmer! This book is a must have.

Advanced-Readers-Copy #netgalley

The Mermaid with No Tail is such a heartwarming story. The Mermaid (Tatiana) wants to be a competitive swimmer but doesn't have fins. The other mermaids make fun of her and tell her it's impossible, but her adoptive turtle parents believe in her and tell her she'll find a way. Tatiana enlists the help of Phelpsy (Michael Phelps) a shark to train her and ends up winning the swim meet!

Written by Jessica Long, a Russian-American Paralympic swimmer who lost her legs below the knees at 18 months old due to a birth defect. She was adopted by her uber-supportive parents as a baby from a Russian orphanage.

A beautiful story of determination and overcoming a limb difference to follow your dreams. The illustrations are adorable, the word count is perfect for toddlers with short attention spans, and the story is important for kids to understand. Can't wait to purchase a physical copy to read with my son and help him learn that physical differences make people special.

A beautiful, semi-autobiographical picture book! The message of not letting your differences get in the way of your dreams is poignant and proven by the author of this book. The forward and acknowledgement of Michael Phelps is a great connection as he is one of the most famous American swimmers. The illustrations are gorgeous as well. I noticed that in almost every depiction of the mermaid, that while she doesn't have tail fins, she does appear to have a tail of fish. I wonder if this is a nod to the fact that Jessica Long is known to use prosthetics outside the water and even if it is not, I still find the support of these fish to be beautiful.

This is a precious book. Everything about it is wonderful, from the colorful illustrations, to the insipiring message that what makes you different also makes you special. AND THE SHARKS NAME IS PHELPSY. I teared up throughout this entire story.