The best mermaid books for kids

Our edit of the best children's books about mermaids, for little ones of all ages. 

With tales dating back over 3,000 years, legends of mermaids have captivated us for millennia, so it’s no wonder that they continue to capture the imaginations of children.

We’ve curated our edit of the very best mermaid books for kids of all ages, whether you’re looking for board books for babies and toddlers or books they can read alone, these mermaid books will enchant and inspire little readers. From books about mermaids held captive by wicked witches to those discovering their own magical powers, if your child is constantly clamouring for tales from the deep, here are some of the best children’s books about mermaids ready to make a splash on your bookshelf.

Looking for more reading inspiration for little ones? Don't miss our edit of the best books for babies and toddlers. 

Mermaid books for babies & toddlers

My Magical Mermaid

Book cover for My Magical Mermaid

With a sparkly foil cover, My Magical Mermaid takes readers into a magical underwater world to meet a musical mermaid! Little ones will love the push, pull and turn mechanisms, and have lots of fun taking part in the mermaid's fabulous adventure!

Yujin Shin's beautifully coloured illustrations are paired with gentle rhyming text and lots of things to spot in four bright and busy magical scenes, making My Magical Mermaid the perfect interactive mermaid book to read together.

The Little Mermaid

Book cover for The Little Mermaid

This charming picture book is packed with push, pull and turn mechanisms to let your child get hands on with this magical underwater world. The well-loved fairytale of the mermaid, the prince and the fearsome sea witch is brought beautifully back to life for a younger audience in this exciting book.

 

Mermaid books for children aged 3 - 5 years old 

The Singing Mermaid

by Julia Donaldson

Book cover for The Singing Mermaid

From the beloved creators of What the Ladybird Heard comes the adventure of The Singing Mermaid, who is tempted by the promise of fame and fortune to join a circus. The crowds love her, but the poor mermaid is kept in a tank by the wicked circus owner, and longs to return to the freedom of her home. With rhyming verse, vibrant illustrations, and glitter on every page, this is a book your child will visit again and again.

The Singing Mermaid Make and Do

by Julia Donaldson

If your little one loved The Singing Mermaid picture book, or just love arts and crafts, join the mermaid's adventures and find out how to make a shimmering mermaid crown, a circus tent theatre, and a sparkling ocean in a jam jar . . .

Based on the bestselling picture book The Singing Mermaid by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, this book is packed with make and do activities and over 200 stickers, making it a great gift for any child – ideal for rainy days and holidays.

Mermaid Kingdom

by Russell Punter

Mermaid Kingdom is an exciting pop-up carousel, with three richly imagined scenes for your child to explore. In this interactive story, mermaids Sandy, Shelly and Sparkle are preparing for a visit from Queen Marina, and your child will be fully absorbed into every scene.

The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Little Mermaid

by Abie Longstaff

Book cover for The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Little Mermaid

Finally, a crossover between the popular Fairytale Hairdresser and the beloved Little Mermaid. After the Little Mermaid loses her beautiful singing voice to the Sea Witch, it’s up to the Fairytale Hairdresser to save the day.

My Magical Mermaid Sparkly Sticker Activity Book

Book cover for My Magical Mermaid Sparkly Sticker Activity Book

This adorable mermaid activity book is perfect for little ones who just can't get enough of under-the-sea adventures! Children aged 3+ will have fun completing matching games, mazes, colouring-in and much more. With over 400 stickers, including a page of shiny foil stickers, children will love decorating these pages with lots of fun characters!


Mermaid books for children aged 6 - 8 years old 

Mermaid Magic

by Gwyneth Rees

Down in the secret world of Tingle Reef on the ocean floor, one young mermaid named Rani has always felt different from the rest of her family. Her bright red hair and glowing amber eyes don’t fit in with their flowing blonde locks and eyes the colour of the sea – but the differences don’t stop there. In this enchanting book, Rani is about to discover that she has magical powers she never even imagined.

Stories of Mermaids

by Russell Punter

Book cover for Stories of Mermaids

For children just learning to read, this book is filled with three original stories – from the mermaid who’s scheming to sabotage the Great Seahorse Race, to the mermaid visiting the spooky Pirates’ Graveyard, and the mermaid who just loves to dance!


If you’re looking for more kids books that little ones are sure to love, discover our list of the very best children’s picture books, here.

For more on why mermaids are so popular, check out our Book Break episode below: