10+ Best Mermaid Books for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Diving into the enchanting world of mermaids can spark a love of reading in any young child. If you're on the hunt for the perfect splash of fantasy and adventure, our curated selection of mermaid books for 6-year-olds is just what you need. From tales of underwater quests to stories of magical friendships, these books are sure to captivate the imagination of your little reader. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will make a splash in your child's reading routine!

Fun Mermaid Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Singing Mermaid by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Lydia Monks
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The tale follows a talented mermaid who is tempted away from her home to join a circus, only to realize she doesn't belong there. She longs to return to the sea, and with the help of her new friends, she might just find her way back.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with rhymes and colorful illustrations that captivate young readers, enhancing their reading skills and sparking their imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about friendship and adventure.

• Mermaid School by Joanne Stewart 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 through lessons, friendships, and fun underwater activities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces school life in a fun and whimsical way, encouraging excitement about school and learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are about to start school or love stories about school adventures.

• Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Mermaid by Rhiannon Fielding, illustrated by Chris Chatterton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: A little mermaid named Splash is on a magical underwater adventure but she needs to get back to bed on time. This story is part of a series that helps children wind down for bedtime.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s perfect for establishing a bedtime routine, the story gently progressing towards sleepiness, helping children relax at bedtime.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and need a calming bedtime story.

• How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A fun and thrilling adventure where kids set out on a quest to catch a mermaid, using various creative traps.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and problem-solving, as children think about how they might design their own mermaid trap.
  • Perfect for: Children who love interactive and engaging stories that spark imagination and creativity.

• The Mermaid by Jan Brett
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: An underwater version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, where a mermaid named Kiniro explores an octopus’s garden under the sea.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a familiar story in a mesmerizing new setting, helping children draw connections while enjoying the beautiful, detailed illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy classic tales with a unique twist.

Educational Mermaid Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Pearl by Molly Idle
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Pearl is a young mermaid tasked with caring for the undersea flora, but she dreams of doing something more important. Her journey reveals the vital role every small task plays in maintaining the balance of her world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, responsibility, self-worth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully illustrated and delivers powerful messages about the importance of seemingly small roles in the bigger ecological picture.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about the environment and finding one's place in the world.

• Mermaid Dance by Matthew Van Fleet, illustrated by Mara Van Fleet
  • Genre(s): Interactive Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This interactive book invites kids to join mermaids at a magical underwater dance party. Pull-tabs and touch-and-feel elements make the ocean come alive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motor skills, sensory development, rhythm and music appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive features keep children engaged while they learn about rhythm and the sensory details of an underwater world.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love interactive play and music.

• Hello, Little Fish! by Lucy Cousins
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Early Learning
  • Synopsis: Vibrantly illustrated, this book invites young readers to dive into the ocean to meet friendly fish and a charming mermaid. It's a simple, joyful read perfect for bedtime.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Color recognition, animal identification, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its bright, bold illustrations and simple text are ideal for capturing the attention of young readers and holding their interest.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are just beginning to explore books.

• Mariana and the Merchild: A Folk Tale from Chile by Caroline Pitcher, illustrated by Jackie Morris
  • Genre(s): Folk Tale, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mariana, an old woman, finds a baby mermaid washed ashore and decides to care for her. This touching story explores themes of love and letting go.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to Chilean folklore and teaches valuable life lessons through a beautifully told story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories and learning about different cultures.

• Mermaids Fast Asleep by Robin Riding, illustrated by Zoe Persico
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This soothing bedtime book features mermaids preparing for sleep in their peaceful underwater world, complete with rhythmic, lyrical text.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming and rhythm, calming bedtime routines
  • Why we recommend this book: Its gentle, poetic language and dreamy illustrations make it a perfect nighttime read.
  • Perfect for: Children who need a calming story to help them wind down at bedtime.

Challenging Mermaid Books for 6-Year-Olds

• A Mermaid's Tale: A Personal Search for Love and Lore by Amanda Adams
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Mythology
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the myths and legends of mermaids across various cultures, exploring their historical and symbolic significances.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text incorporates cultural studies with complex ideas about mythology and symbolism that are typically not explored at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands the reader's understanding of global cultures and introduces them to the study of folklore and mythology in an engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds interested in myths, legends, and mermaids.

• The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily discovers she is half-mermaid and embarks on an underwater adventure to find her father and discover her own identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a layered plot and a deeper exploration of personal identity and family dynamics than typically found in children’s books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating adventure that also touches on important themes of self-discovery and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy thrilling stories with a strong female protagonist.

• Mermaid Tales from Around the World by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Troy Howell
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Mythology
  • Synopsis: This collection features twelve beautifully illustrated mermaid stories from different cultures, each offering a unique perspective on mermaid lore.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces readers to diverse and complex folklore tales, each with its own cultural context and moral.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages cultural appreciation and introduces children to the rich tapestry of global storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by mermaids and eager to learn about different cultures through folklore.

• The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Minnow, the youngest of fifty mermaid sisters, finds a mysterious object (a shoe) and embarks on a quest to find its purpose, discovering her own talents in the process.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as Minnow explores the uses of an unfamiliar object.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully illustrated story that celebrates curiosity and finding one’s unique strengths.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fairy tales and stories about self-discovery and adventure.

• 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 the flying doctor team as they encounter a mermaid, a unicorn, and a lion during their adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features rich language and a fast-paced, intricate plot that requires attentive reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and whimsical characters to engage young readers while enhancing their reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fantastical stories with a mix of characters and humorous plots.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of mermaid books with your 6-year-old, why not spice up the reading experience with some fun exercises? These activities are designed to enhance their reading skills and make the journey under the sea even more magical.

Here’s a list of engaging exercises to try:

• Create a Mermaid Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that follows the storyline of the mermaid book.
  • How it helps: Helps children understand the sequence of events and the components of a story.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or crayons to highlight different parts of the story.

• Mermaid Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new and interesting words found in the mermaid book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of language.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to use these new words in sentences to reinforce their learning.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as characters from the mermaid book.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper connection with the characters and stimulates imagination.
  • Tips: Use household items to make costumes and props for a creative and fun activity.

• Draw Your Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from the book that your child loved the most.
  • How it helps: Helps with recall and reinforces details about the story.
  • Tips: Display the artwork somewhere at home to keep the story alive and encourage discussion.

• Story Prediction Chart
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, guess what might happen next and discuss different possible outcomes.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and reasoning skills.
  • Tips: Keep the predictions fun and light; there are no wrong answers in imagination!

Using these exercises, your little one will not only improve their reading skills but also have a blast exploring the mystical world of mermaids. Remember, the key is to keep the activities fun and engaging, allowing your child to dive deep into the wonders of reading!