Are you looking for some Mermaids children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Mermaids is a wonderful theme and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Mermaids books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Mermaids, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. The Mermaid Moon by Briony May Smith
Once, there were two best friends. One was from the sea, a mermaid named Merrin, and one was from the land, a human named Molly. Of course, Merrin has never been to Molly’s house; how can she visit when she must stay underwater?
But then comes the night of the Mermaid Moon, when sea creatures can fly through the air! And this year, Merrin is finally old enough to join in. Together she and Molly visit the Mermaid Moon festival, eat ice cream, and ride on a swing in Molly’s backyard.
When it is time for Merrin to leave, the moon is sinking toward the sea she is unable to get down from a tree the girls have climbed. And if she doesn’t get back home before the moon sets, the Mermaid Moon magic will disappear from the earth forever.
Literacy Extensions:
- Mermaids Literature List
- Classroom Booklet: “All About Mermaids”
- Mermaids Counting
- My Mermaids Story: Student Worksheets
2. The Mermaid by Jan Brett
The under-the-sea version of Goldilocks. When Kiniro, a young mermaid, comes upon a gorgeous house made of seashells and coral, she is so curious that she goes inside. She’s thrilled to find a just-right breakfast, pretty little chair, and, best of all, a comfy bed that rocks in the current.
But when the Octopus family returns home, they are not happy to find that someone has been eating their food and breaking their things. Baby has the biggest shock when she finds the mermaid asleep in her bed! Luckily, shock turns to happiness when Kiniro gives her a thoughtful gift before escaping from the twenty-four arms coming her way
Literacy Extensions:
- “To Catch a Mermaid” Classroom Book
- “Mermaids Counting” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Mermaids vs Fish
- Mermaids Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. All About Mermaids by Izzy Quinn
Mermaid lovers of all ages will delight in this stunning picture book, which dives deep to share the “truths” about these enchanting underwater creatures.
Dive into the world of mermaids and discover everything there is to know about the ocean’s most mysterious creatures. There is plenty to learn, from where they are found and how they sleep to what they eat and how they raise their young.
Overflowing with fascinating facts and spellbinding artwork, All About Mermaids is the ultimate book for young mermaid enthusiasts. Don’t believe the rumors about mermaids being myths–we’ve got all the facts right here!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Mermaids”
- Mermaids Story Parts Worksheet
- Mermaid Tail Art Project
- Mermaids Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. Mermaids School by Joanne Stewart Wetzel
Starting school is always exciting, especially when you’re a mermaid! From schools of fish to the A B Seas, this whimsical underwater tale puts a fun twist on what to expect on the first day of school.
It’s Molly’s first day at mermaid school, and there’s so much to learn! Follow the mermaids as they count clamshells, recite the A B Seas, and make new friends. They even enjoy story time about children who walk on land! At the end of the day, it’s time to sing the goodbye song and head home.
With sweet, rhyming language and a peek into a fantastical undersea world, Mermaid School touches on all the major moments children will experience on their first day. And don’t miss the mermaid school handbook in the back of this book for more mermaid fun!
Literacy Extensions:
- Mermaids Literature List
- Mermaids Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Mermaids Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Mermaid or Mermen Clothespin Doll Art Project
5. Fairy Mermaids by Shannon Mills
Dive into an adventure with Coral, a curious fairy mermaid, and her loyal fin-friend Sandy! In this enchanting story, they join forces with Lola, a magnificent loggerhead turtle, to protect her precious eggs. Packed with fascinating ocean trivia, from the surprising weight of loggerheads to the secret tears of sea turtles, this tale teaches valuable lessons about kindness, teamwork, and the importance of protecting our underwater world.
As Coral and Sandy face a cunning raccoon, their quick thinking and Coral’s knowledge of the ocean come to the rescue. Will they be able to keep Lola’s eggs safe? Join them under the moonlight and witness the miracle of life as baby turtles embark on their incredible journey.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Mermaids” Classroom Book
- Mermaids Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Mermaids Tail Art Project
- Mermaids Add & Subtract Match Game
6. How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace
Many claim to have caught a mermaid, but can YOU? How do you catch a mermaid? You must be very clever. With mirrors, crowns, and pearls galore, this quest can’t last forever!
How to Catch a Mermaid is about a group of kids trying to catch a mermaid! Each trap is more extravagant than the last, but in the end it is the mermaid who saves them!
Literacy Extensions:
- Mermaids Word Bank
- Mermaids Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Mermaids Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Mermaids Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Where Do Mermaids Go On Vacation by Kim Ann
The mermaid friends are all together and ready to have lots of fun! Will they sing, dance, or build sandcastles? Or maybe collect sea glass and shells? These magical creatures are ready for their own vacation. The mermaids have come together to enjoy all the fun and beautiful things the ocean has to offer. But with the whole sea at their fingertips, where will they go and what will they do?
With pirate ships, treasure chests, and underwater castles all on their list, they can’t wait for their own vacation to begin. Will the mermaids have even more fun than they already do? What will the mermaids see? And where will they go?
Where Do Mermaids Go On Vacation is a fun adventure sure to delight any child. If you or your child like mermaids, guessing games, and rhyming adventures, then you will love Kim Ann’s latest book in the Go On Vacation series.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Mermaids Senses” Student Booklet
- Mermaids Make a Short Vowel Word
- Mermaids Sight Word Games
- Mermaids Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Three Little Mermaids by Mara Van Fleet
Three little mermaids under the sea invite you to their tea party. In Mara Van Fleet’s shimmering concept book, count from one to ten while you visit the bottom of the deep blue sea and meet sparkly fish, soft seals, dancing turtles, and a friendly octopus. Never has counting been so much fun!
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Went to the Mermaids” Classroom Book
- Mermaids Letter & Sound Match Game
- Mermaids Build a Word
- Mermaids Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Mermaids children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Mermaids books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
