10+ Best Mermaid Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Dive into the enchanting world of mermaids with our curated selection of mermaid books for 5-year-olds! Whether your little one dreams of underwater adventures or simply adores these mystical creatures, we've gathered a variety of captivating reads that are perfect for young imaginations. Keep reading to discover our favorite mermaid tales that are sure to spark joy and wonder in every young reader.

Fun Mermaid Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Singing Mermaid by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Lydia Monks
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A talented mermaid is tempted away from her home to join a circus, only to find out that the grass isn't greener on the other side. She longs to return to the sea, and with the help of her new circus friends, she might just make it.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with rhythmic, rhyming text that captivates young listeners and encourages early reading skills. The glittery illustrations are a bonus that will catch the eye of any child.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love singing and sparkling adventures.

• Molly the Mermaid by Eva Chen, illustrated by Matthew Rivera
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Molly is a brave little mermaid who embarks on an ocean adventure to find her lost crown. Along the way, she meets various sea creatures and learns about the importance of kindness and bravery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces themes of resilience and friendship through a fun and engaging story, which is great for developing empathy and social skills in young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy underwater adventures and stories about friendship.

• Mermaid Dance by Matthew Van Fleet
  • Genre(s): Interactive, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This playful book invites young readers to dance and move along with the mermaid characters. It includes tabs to pull, textures to feel, and flaps to lift, making it a fully interactive reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes physical activity and engagement through reading, making it an excellent choice for energetic kids who might otherwise find it hard to sit still with a book.
  • Perfect for: Active children who love to move and play as they read.

• Can You Catch a Mermaid? by Jane Ray
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Eliza meets a mermaid named Freya who has lost her way. Together, they explore the secrets of the sea and the meaning of friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story blends a sense of mystery with heartwarming lessons about loss and friendship, making it both captivating and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by mystical creatures and stories of adventure and friendship.

• Julia, Child by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the life of Julia Child, this story follows young Julia and her friend Simca who are both passionate about cooking. They whip up magical dishes with the hope of never growing up, encountering both whimsical and real-life challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and the joy of cooking, blending imaginative storytelling with real-life inspirations to spark a love of food and culinary arts in young minds.
  • Perfect for: Little chefs and young readers who dream of magical kitchen adventures.

Educational Mermaid Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Mermaids Fast Asleep by Robin Riding, illustrated by Zoe Persico
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: This soothing bedtime book features a series of mermaids settling down for the night. The gentle, rhyming text and luminous illustrations create a calming bedtime atmosphere.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Language skills, bedtime routine familiarity, calming techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for winding down at the end of the day, helping children relax with its peaceful narrative and enchanting visuals.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need a gentle story to help them drift off to sleep.

• Mermaid School by JoAnne Wetzel, illustrated by Julianna Swaney
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, School Life
  • Synopsis: Marnie Blue attends her first day at Lady Sealia Foam's Mermaid School and navigates the challenges of making new friends and learning new lessons underwater.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, school readiness, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces school life in a fun and imaginative setting, which can help ease anxieties about starting school.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergartners who are about to start school or are new to school environments.

• How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of friends sets out on a whimsical adventure to catch a mermaid, using a variety of creative traps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humorous scenarios and inventive ideas that encourage thinking outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Children who love interactive and engaging stories that spark imagination.

• Mermaid Dreams by Kate Pugsley
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Imagination
  • Synopsis: Maya dreams of being a mermaid. When she falls asleep at the beach, her dream takes her on an underwater adventure where she meets a new mermaid friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship skills, imaginative play, emotional expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends real-life emotions with fantastical elements, helping children explore their feelings through imaginative play.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy daydreaming and stories about forming new friendships.

Challenging Mermaid Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Self-Discovery
  • Synopsis: Minnow, the youngest of King Neptune’s fifty daughters, discovers a mysterious object while exploring the ocean. Her quest to find its purpose leads her to unexpected self-discovery and confidence.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces a complex theme of self-exploration and identity, which is more advanced compared to typical books for this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages self-confidence and curiosity, teaching children the importance of finding one's own path and identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about discovery and personal growth.

• Pearl by Molly Idle
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Responsibility
  • Synopsis: Pearl, a young mermaid, is given a small grain of sand to care for, which eventually transforms into a beautiful pearl, showing her the value of patience and responsibility.
  • Why this book is challenging: The subtle metaphor of the pearl and themes of duty and care are sophisticated concepts tailored to provoke thought and understanding in young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the rewards of responsibility and patience, which are valuable lessons for young children.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about the virtues of patience and the responsibilities of caring for something valuable.

• The Mermaid by Jan Brett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Retelling
  • Synopsis: A retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears with a mermaid twist, where a mermaid named Kiniro explores an octopus’s garden under the sea.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book uses a familiar story to introduce new settings and characters, enhancing cognitive connections and comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a creative twist on a classic tale, encouraging imagination and introducing the concept of retelling stories in new contexts.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy classic stories with new and imaginative interpretations.

• Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows a mermaid who is one of the patients of a flying doctor team consisting of a princess, a knight, and a dragon. The team faces various challenges and adventures in their quest to help others.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves multiple characters and a series of linked events which require attention to detail and the ability to follow complex narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of teamwork and helping others, wrapped in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories about adventures and helping others.

• The Tiniest Mermaid by Laura Garnham, illustrated by Patricia MacCarthy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Friendship
  • Synopsis: After saving a tiny mermaid from a seagull’s grasp, a young girl forms a magical friendship with her new aquatic friend, leading to adventures and learning.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story deals with themes of rescue and nurturing in a fantasy setting, which are complex ideas for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the joys of friendship through a captivating narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by fantastical friendships and caring for others.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a little one who's enchanted by the magical world of mermaids, combining storytime with some engaging reading exercises can make diving into books even more exciting. Here are a few fun exercises tailored for 5-year-olds that can help develop good reading habits while exploring mermaid tales:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the pages of a mermaid book before reading, looking at the pictures and guessing what the story might be about.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets the stage for context before reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to describe what they see and what they think is happening in each picture.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You and your child take turns reading aloud from a mermaid book.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to express different characters' voices and emotions to make it more fun.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: After reading a mermaid story, help your child arrange a series of pictures or simple sentences from the story in the correct order.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the structure of stories and reinforces comprehension.
  • Tips: Start with broad sequences (beginning, middle, end) and gradually increase complexity as your child gets more comfortable.

• Match the Quote
  • What it is: Write down simple quotes or sentences from the mermaid book and have your child match them to the correct character or scene.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and helps with recognizing details within the text.
  • Tips: Keep the quotes short and use distinctive characters or events to make matching easier for your child.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the mermaid book with your child, taking on the roles of different characters.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper engagement with the story and helps with understanding character actions and emotions.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-playing more exciting and memorable.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can make the magical world of mermaids come alive for your child. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also build foundational reading skills that are crucial at this developmental stage. Have fun splashing into stories together!