How to Spot a Mermaid

Ages 3 to 5

From award-winning and beloved author Jane Yolen, this delightful picture book is a funny and endearing field guide to the unique world of mermaids.

Would you like to spot a mermaid? If so, you will need a few supplies and a great deal of patience.

As we learn in these informative illustrated pages, mermaids are very shy and do not make friends easily. But if you find a place near the water, sit very still, and are willing to share your Goldfish crackers, you just might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one. And who knows . . . there may even be a mermaid, somewhere, hoping to catch a glimpse of you, too!

Mermaid fans and science-minded young readers alike will love thestep-by-step guidance in How to Spot a Mermaid, a clever how-to book that celebrates the magic in the world around us and helps us to let our imaginations run wild and swim the line between reality and fiction.

FOR IMAGINATIVE EXPLORERS: Binoculars, map, pad, and pen—check. The main character who leads the way on this mermaid search is an engaged young scientist doing exciting fieldwork. She is at the ready for real-world observational science with all the tools she needs—including a sense of curiosity!

ENVIRONMENTAL BOOK FOR KIDS: Preservation of our wilderness—and our waterways in particular—is essential, and this book makes a great, upbeat starting point for discussions of the importance and wonder of our world's natural habitats and ecosystems.

GORGEOUS UNDERWATER WORLD: This captivating marine life book illuminates the amazing biodiversity and wonder of our world's waterways by telling the story of one curious kid's search for an ever-elusive mermaid. 

Perfect for: Young readers who love mermaid tales and nature books Parents and grandparents looking for books that spark imagination and curiosity Educators looking for books that model fieldwork, observational science, and STEM themes in a fun way Fans of Jane Yolen books, including the How Do Dinosaurs series, Owl Moon, and What To Do With a Box Fans of books illustrated by Sally Deng, including Warrior Princess: The Story of Khutulun and Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams Readers who love How to Catch a Mermaid, The World of Emily Windsnap, and The Little Mermaid Stories

About the Author

Jane Yolen (the “Hans Christian Andersen of America”) has written over 400 books, won numerous awards, and has been given six honorary doctorates in literature. She has always lived near water. As a child, Jane often stayed with her grandparents who lived near the Chesapeake Bay. Growing up, her family lived in Manhattan, an island with rivers on each side. They later moved to Westport, Connecticut, which is a beach town. And as a grown-up, Jane now lives a block away from the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. Of course, she looks for mermaids.

Sally Deng is an author-illustrator of books for children. Her illustrations have appeared in various publications and media outlets, including the New York Times, The Atlantic, and NPR. In her free time, she enjoys hiking alongside rivers, camping next to lakes, and surfing in the ocean. She has not seen a mermaid . . . yet.