The Mermaid

I love Jan Brett's work, and the undersea Japanese setting is absolutely delightful. Artistically, once again she does a great job with the animals, imaginative decorative work, and exuberant color, though I did think the proportions of the little mermaid girl -- and especially the treatment of her flowing hair - was a bit lacking. Nevertheless, the reader can't help but be charmed by the 'Goldilocks' variation told here, with the clever treatment of food, chairs, and beds and a host of cunning details -- like the baby octopus's Nudibranch pull-toys or the octopus sucker shibori design on the happi (jacket) of the octopuses. (And I do like octopuses very much, so it is particularly enjoyable to have them featured as main characters Several reviewers thought pages must be missing, and at first reading I was startled at the jump from "peril" to conclusion. But the story is clearly told through illustration. Reading aloud to a child, ask them -- what happened? The adult octopuses are not angry anymore, the ray is plainly happy, and hmm, isn't the mermaid missing something? I think it would also be fun to play seek & identify with the wealth of Pacific sea life beautifully illustrated on all the pages here, making this a book to explore over and over again.

Story of a Mermaid who enters an unoccupied (at the moment) home belonging to an octopus family. Based on Goldilocks and the 3 bears. Really cute re-telling, lovely pictures. Comes in a board book version and regular hard back book.

My granddaughters loved this book. I love Jan Brett illustrations and I think I've passed this down to my granddaughters. This book doesn't disappoint if you love her illustrations.

Jan Brett definately - Fabulous as always

This book is so cute. I can’t wait to read this book to my class and compare it to Goldilocks and the 3 Bears! Jan Brett’s illustrations are beautiful. The book came quickly and was in perfect condition.

This is a decent kids book. Fans of mermaids and ocean themes will adore it. Jan Brett’s illustrations make the book. The writing is a little weak, but passable. It would be nice if the protagonist wasn’t portrayed as a nit-wit. My kids’ favorite part is the puffer fish saving the day.. Interesting adaptation with some unexpected little twists. Illustrations are very busy. Idk how I feel about an octopus wearing clothes, it looks a little forced, but the attention to detail as in Brett’s other works is fascinating and keeps the child focused on the story.

Jan Brett books are the best for stories and artwork. I've been buying them for my wife for many, many years. This one is as good as it's predecessors.

Perfect read-aloud for younger kiddos & independent readers alike! If you already love Jan Brett, this book will be an instant classic in your family’s collection. If you’re not yet familiar with her illustration style you will fall in love immediately. Illustrations are rich in detail! I gifted this book to my 3 year old niece & often recommend it at the library where I work.

This was a birthday gift for a 4 yr old. Loved the illustrations!

My daughter like this book. It's really nice illustration

My granddaughter enjoyed it.