The Mermaid

Author Jan Brett On Tour
Illustrated by Jan Brett On Tour
Look inside
$9.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
36 per carton
On sale May 07, 2024 | 9780593695746
Age 0-3 years
Reading Level: Lexile AD540L
Sales rights: World
A New York Times bestselling striking under-the-sea version of Goldilocks with bonus storytelling in the borders, as only Jan Brett could create.

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.
 
Vibrant, intricate scenes of an underwater paradise transport this classic fairy tale to a magical setting inspired by the seas off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Along with fun details that enrich the storytelling in Jan Brett's trademark borders, this visual treat will enchant readers of all ages.
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★ "In this dazzling remix, Brett sets 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' under the sea. The bears turn into octopuses, dressed in the straw hats and indigo-dyed coats of rural Japan, and Goldilocks becomes Kiniro, a mermaid with black hair and golden scales (“kin-iro” is Japanese for gold). . . Brett’s brightly colored, highly detailed art shines in this aquatic setting as she embellishes the octopuses’ dwelling with shells, coral, and tropical fish that swim in and out of the windows. . .  Brett’s fans will rejoice, and she’ll make new ones, too."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“It’s never too soon to start bringing toddlers and babies into the wondrous details of Brett’s books, so there is much to love about this sturdy 2017 retelling of Goldilocks’s story, now in a board book . . . This has always been a book to share, but now it’s ready for little hands.” —School Library Journal on the board book

"In an aquatic version of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears,' Kiniro, the beautiful mermaid, is intrigued by the mystique and beauty of [a] little seashell house. . . Not only is this fractured fairy tale a delight to read, there is also an adorable side story skillfully told in the border art as only Brett can. Set in the waters off of the coast of Okinawa, this colorful picture book is exquisite."—School Library Journal

"Sure to please Brett's fans."—Kirkus Reviews

About

A New York Times bestselling striking under-the-sea version of Goldilocks with bonus storytelling in the borders, as only Jan Brett could create.

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.
 
Vibrant, intricate scenes of an underwater paradise transport this classic fairy tale to a magical setting inspired by the seas off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Along with fun details that enrich the storytelling in Jan Brett's trademark borders, this visual treat will enchant readers of all ages.

Photos

additional book photo
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Praise

★ "In this dazzling remix, Brett sets 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' under the sea. The bears turn into octopuses, dressed in the straw hats and indigo-dyed coats of rural Japan, and Goldilocks becomes Kiniro, a mermaid with black hair and golden scales (“kin-iro” is Japanese for gold). . . Brett’s brightly colored, highly detailed art shines in this aquatic setting as she embellishes the octopuses’ dwelling with shells, coral, and tropical fish that swim in and out of the windows. . .  Brett’s fans will rejoice, and she’ll make new ones, too."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“It’s never too soon to start bringing toddlers and babies into the wondrous details of Brett’s books, so there is much to love about this sturdy 2017 retelling of Goldilocks’s story, now in a board book . . . This has always been a book to share, but now it’s ready for little hands.” —School Library Journal on the board book

"In an aquatic version of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears,' Kiniro, the beautiful mermaid, is intrigued by the mystique and beauty of [a] little seashell house. . . Not only is this fractured fairy tale a delight to read, there is also an adorable side story skillfully told in the border art as only Brett can. Set in the waters off of the coast of Okinawa, this colorful picture book is exquisite."—School Library Journal

"Sure to please Brett's fans."—Kirkus Reviews