10+ Best Mermaid Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Diving into the magical world of mermaids can spark a love of reading in any child, especially when the tales are as enchanting as the ones you'll find in our curated list of mermaid books for 7-year-olds. Whether your little one dreams of underwater adventures or simply adores these mystical creatures, each book we've selected promises to deliver stories filled with wonder and joy. Keep reading to discover our top picks for mermaid books that are perfect for 7-year-old readers!

Fun Mermaid Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily Windsnap discovers she's a mermaid and embarks on an underwater adventure to find her father and uncover the secrets of her past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure, perfect for sparking a love of reading through engaging storytelling and a relatable protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure stories.

• Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, illustrated by Tom de Freston
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Nature
  • Synopsis: Julia spends a summer on a remote island, where her mother searches for a rare shark. Amidst this, Julia learns about the wonders and fragility of nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends emotional storytelling with environmental themes, encouraging empathy and a connection to nature.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in nature, animals, and heartfelt stories.

• Lola's Secret Mermaid Life by Jade Giff
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Lola discovers she's a mermaid and must keep it a secret while navigating everyday life and mermaid mysteries.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book's fun and secretive elements keep readers engaged, making reading enjoyable and stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy secrets and mysteries, with a touch of fantasy.

• Mermaid School by Lucy Courtenay, illustrated by Sheena Dempsey
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, School Life
  • Synopsis: Marnie Blue attends a school under the sea, facing all the typical school challenges with a magical twist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces school life in a fun and imaginative setting, helping children relate their own school experiences to those of Marnie in the story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are new or soon-to-be students, offering them a fun perspective on school life.

• The Secret Mermaid: Enchanted Shell by Sue Mongredien, illustrated by Maria Pearson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Molly finds out she's a mermaid princess and dives into the ocean depths to save the underwater kingdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s full of adventure and noble quests, ideal for developing young readers' imaginations and encouraging bravery and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about princesses and heroes, with a magical underwater setting.

Educational Mermaid Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Mira the Misfit Sea Monster by Jessie Sima
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Mira, a friendly sea monster, feels out of place in her school of mermaids. She learns to embrace her uniqueness and find her place among her peers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, diversity, and social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of diversity and acceptance through a delightful and colorful narrative that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel different and are learning to embrace their uniqueness.

• Mermaid Dance by Matthew Van Fleet, illustrated by Mara Van Fleet
  • Genre(s): Interactive Books, Rhyming Books
  • Synopsis: This interactive board book invites young readers to explore the rhythmic, dancing world of mermaids through engaging, tactile features.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motor skills, pattern recognition, and rhythmic awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive elements make learning fun and engaging, encouraging children to love reading and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive and sensory play along with their reading.

• Pearl the Magical Unicorn by Sally Odgers, illustrated by Adele K. Thomas
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Though primarily about a unicorn, Pearl befriends a small mermaid, and together they embark on adventures that teach them about friendship and helping others.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship skills, empathy, and cooperation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantastical elements with important life lessons about friendship and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories about magical creatures and learning about the power of friendship.

• The Mermaid Atlas: Merfolk of the World by Anna Claybourne, illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora
  • Genre(s): Educational, Mythology
  • Synopsis: This book explores mermaid myths and legends from around the world, providing a cultural tour of the various stories and beliefs about mermaids.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, mythology, and global folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It educates children about different cultures through the enchanting lens of mermaid stories, broadening their worldview.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about different cultures and mythical creatures from around the globe.

• Can You Catch a Mermaid? by Jane Ray
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Eliza meets a mermaid named Freya who is lost, and together they embark on a journey to reunite Freya with her lost mermaid family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, problem-solving, and adventure storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that combines the thrill of adventure with lessons on empathy and helping others.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy adventurous and emotional stories about helping and friendship.

Challenging Mermaid Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Aqua: The Water Fairy's Tale by Tracey West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Aqua, a young water fairy, discovers her mermaid heritage and embarks on a quest to restore balance in her aquatic realm.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces complex themes of identity and environmental conservation, paired with a rich, descriptive vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling story that promotes environmental awareness and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in fantasy adventures that also teach important life lessons.

• The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Lena, a teenager struggling with her identity, finds a mysterious mirror that reveals she is a mermaid. She is then drawn into a complex underwater world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with deeper themes of self-acceptance and belonging, using more sophisticated language and narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book encourages readers to explore complex emotions and the concept of self through a captivating fantasy lens.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate a blend of mystery and self-exploration.

• Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story of Annette Kellerman by Shana Corey, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
  • Genre(s): Biography, Historical
  • Synopsis: This biography tells the story of Annette Kellerman, a champion swimmer who overcame adversity and became known as the Mermaid Queen.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces historical contexts and biographical information, requiring readers to engage with more factual and detailed content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires resilience and determination through the true story of a woman who changed perceptions about women in sports.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy real-life stories of courage and triumph.

• The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Self-Discovery
  • Synopsis: Each of King Neptune’s 50 mermaid daughters boasts a special talent, except for Minnow, who is only curious about the objects that sink from above. Her curiosity leads her on a thrilling adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses nuanced storytelling and a sophisticated vocabulary to convey deeper messages about self-worth and discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and self-acceptance, teaching children the importance of finding their own path.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel overshadowed and are searching for their own unique talents.

• Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This sequel to "Zog" follows the trio of Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout, and their flying dragon as they encounter a mermaid who needs their help.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book incorporates sophisticated rhymes and a fast-paced plot, which can be challenging for young readers to follow.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and whimsical illustrations to engage advanced readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy dynamic stories with a mix of humor and fantasy.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the magical world of mermaid books is a fantastic way for your 7-year-old to develop a love for reading. To enhance this enchanting experience, here are some tailored exercises that can help your child build and maintain good reading habits while exploring the depths of these underwater adventures.

• Create a Mermaid Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable spot dedicated to reading mermaid stories.
  • How it helps: Creates a designated space that can make reading time a special event.
  • Tips: Decorate the corner with ocean-themed items to make it inviting and exciting.

• Mermaid Book Club
  • What it is: Start a small book club for your child and their friends to read and discuss mermaid books.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and critical thinking about what they read.
  • Tips: Organize monthly meetings where the kids can discuss a book and maybe even do related activities.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: After reading, use drawings or a template to map out the story’s main events.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retaining the story structure.
  • Tips: Keep it fun and use lots of colors or stickers to highlight different parts of the story.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a favorite character in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character development and perspective.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to express what they think the character feels or thinks.

• Reading Challenge with Rewards
  • What it is: Set up a reading challenge with a certain number of books to read, complete with small rewards.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading and goal setting.
  • Tips: Offer rewards like extra playtime, a small toy, or a choice of the next book.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and gives a creative outlet to express how they visualize the story.
  • Tips: Display the artwork near the reading corner to keep the excitement alive.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, have your child guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and anticipatory thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions after reading to see which guesses were right or surprising.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine can make their journey through mermaid tales even more immersive and enjoyable. Not only will they have fun, but they'll also build strong reading habits that can last a lifetime. So, grab those books and let the undersea adventure begin!