A really good story of empowerment, featuring a young mermaid down in the dumps and seemingly incapable of doing anything mermaids are actually known for, like swimming. Bigots will baulk at this book showing a female character's inter-species love being the impetus for the mermaid's growth, but I really liked it. It had pleasant digital (-seeming) artwork; the only thing I could really disapprove of is the lettering, which varies in font size from line to line and from word to word, and throws you for many a false emphasis with its non-stop changing. Still, the lyric elements when called for are fine, and the story is easily and compellingly told. #mertoo, if you will.

A very sweet story with darling illustrations, I think this would be the perfect bedtime read on those hard days where nothing seems to go right. Such a great example of how we all need others and to keep trying even when it feels useless..

The Mermaid who couldn’t is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of Mariana, a shy mermaid who lives alone at the bottom of the sea. She has no friends and cannot swim. Even when she tries to fit in, her lack of confidence holds her back. Things change when she meets a turtle called Muriel who befriends her and teaches her how to swim. A really good book that my grandchildren loved.

"Written for children aged 4+, this picture book uses a simple metaphor to show how children who have experienced neglect or who lack confidence can learn to find a sense of self-worth. It will help children explore their feelings and encourage communication."

This book would have helped me when I was young. I think it could help others.

#TheMermaidWhoCouldn't #NetGalley

I requested this gorgeous little book for my five year old granddaughter from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley! I read it to her as she turned the pages. She loves to turn the pages on my kindle. As I read we discussed the mermaids and the other ocean animals. We both loved the story and the illustrations. It's a beautiful book and teaches children how sometimes we all need a little help. She gives the book (and my review) five stars!

I like the concept behind the book. "The Mermaid Who Couldn't" is directed toward a population of children that are lonely and hurting. The middle of the book seemed to use a lot of complex language and longer paragraphs to be geared at 4+ year olds. I would say the book would be better for 8+.

This is a sweet story about the importance of love and support, and how it impacts on self esteem. Quite heavy stuff for young children, but relevant all the same and the subject is handled through a well loved symbol - the mermaid. My little girl (Bo for the purposes of this review) and I read it together - she's 4 and she loves mermaids so this was a good start. Bo listened carefully and with serious eyes. I couldn't help thinking the beginning was quite dark - the protective Mother instinct honed to her reactions. But I am aware it is important not to shield too much and actually in the grand scheme of things - it wasn't really bad - just a little melancholy.
However, as the tale continued Bo listened with interest and smiled at my dodgy attempts to 'sing' where it suggested Marianna or the other mermaids sang. Do authors realise the challenge they set us with these speech tags? (I don't mind it really - and I'm sure many parents speak the lines instead).
As we came to the end of the story, Bo smiled at the outcome for Marianna. When I asked her what she thought of the book she said 'It was good'. The part she liked the most was when 'She found her own song' and 'When she found the mermaids and was friends with the mermaids'. She didn't like it 'When the mermaid was sad' and when I asked if she liked it enough to want to read it again, she replied yes (as in immediately).
So we read it again and it gave opportunities for us to talk about some pretty big issues for young children. Such as why Marianna was sad, and how some children and adults don't have Mummy's or someone to take care of them. We talked about how important it was to feel loved and we had lots of cuddles as we read on. It was also a nice chance to chat about how we can sometimes feel shy in new situations or with new people - very relevant given the approaching start of a new school.
This was a lovely story about self belief and having someone to love and care for you. Bo like the pictures too. I think I prefer books which handle similar issues with a little less melancholy, but Bo (the true judge) liked it a lot.
The font, although it fits in nicely with the design, isn't particularly child friendly considering the age it's aimed at. I prefer clear font on white - the design as a whole was a little too busy.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with my daughter.

Description
Mariana the Mermaid is not like the other mermaids. Abandoned by a careless mother on the ocean floor, she has never laughed or played, and can barely even swim. She feels useless.

Then she meets Muriel the Turtle, who welcomes her into her family and teaches her to sing her own mighty song, making her feel confident and ready to join in with the other mermaids.

My review

A really sweet but uplifting book that examines childhood neglect through a little mermaid's eyes and in an easy to understand way. My friend's daughter, who is confident and outspoken loved this book but you can see how helpful it would be for children who lack confidence or have low self esteem. The book also provides a good starting point to allow children to talk about their feelings. The story unfolds showing visually and through verbal explain how the mermaid feels i.e. her frustration, lack of confidence and loneliness. I loved that the story provided examples of how she overcomes these feelings and how she can use what she's learned and apply it other challenges that may come her way. It puts the power back in the child's hands. The illustrations are gorgeous and inclusive and the songs added an extra touch of warmth to this book.

It is written for children age 4 and upwards and should be read with an adult due to some of the issues the mermaid comes across i.e. the fisherman and the net.

Thank you NetGalley and Ali Redford for this ARC of this book.

#TheMermaidWhoCouldn't #NetGalley

I received an ARC of The Mermaid Who Couldn't in exchange for my honest review, so a big thank you for the early read.

This was an absolutely adorable book.
The illustrations were beautiful and it would be an enjoyable read for just about anyone. It is a good story for kids, but holds more depth and meaning reading it as an older reader.

This is a story of inspiration and hope. A lonely little mermaid is abandoned on the floor of the ocean by her careless mother. She lives off bones and scraps, tries to hide from hideous creatures that lurk in the shadows, and never laughs or plays. Sadly she can barely swim. Her name is Mariana and she feels totally thrown- away, forgotten and useless.


She tries to escape her dire circumstances but alas she has no sense of self-worth and she believes she is doomed forever. One day she is scooped up in a fisherman's net. He takes one look at the terrified mermaid and throws her back into the deep. Oh my!

"I can't even be caught," she thought.

On her downward spiral to the bottom of the sea a passing turtle named Muriel picks her up and she and her family totally transform Mariana's life into something positive and good. Muriel befriends the heartsick little mermaid, grooms her beautifully, feeds her properly and teaches her to how to swim and find her own song. Then the kind turtle introduces Mariana to other mermaids hoping they will accept her into their pod. Mariana seems ready to integrate. She feels confident after all the love that has been bestowed upon her. Will her miraculous transformation be enough to get her accepted into the coveted mermaid group she so longs to be a part of?

"The Mermaid Who Couldn't" teaches the reader that love is a very powerful entity and when we receive love and care nothing is impossible for us achieve. This book is a wonderful catalyst to discuss with children subjects of neglect, empowerment and most of all the power of love. I highly recommend this book. It would be a wonderful addition to a classroom and a school library as well.

This book was just not for me. I love all the artwork, but the story was long and drawn out. To me its a parable for being adopted or in the foster system. A little mermaid is left by her parents and learns nothing of society. Until she makes a new turtle friend who takes her into her family and teachers her the way of the sea. It wasn’t a bad book, just not one I will be buying.

Beautiful illustrations and clear narrative. The book had grabbed onto the latest trend and turned it into something relevant and entertaining.