The Mermaid
How Sirena Learned to Swim
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected May 5, 2026
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- $13.99
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- Pre-Order
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
A rambling lakehouse, a gaggle of cousins, and one very patient grandfather makes the summer Sirena learns to swim something special.
Sirena spends part of every summer in a rambling lakehouse filled with cousins, aunts and uncles, and her beloved Poppo (her grandfather). But despite how inviting the water looks, Sirena hates swimming. Until Poppo's gentle words and example tempt Sirena into the water to discover the joys of swimming--until she's a veritable mermaid. As their lakeside vacation ends, Sirena discovers that her present is tied more closely to Poppo's past that she imagined. This is a tender story about the power of intergenerational relationships and overcoming your fears.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In Brozo and Bowler's quiet story, intergenerational support helps a child overcome a fear of water during summer vacation with extended family. When a cousin pushes young Sirena off the dock into lake water that's over the child's head, "nearly drowning" keeps Sirena sidelined the rest of the day. In response to an aunt's unhelpful comment, Poppo offers reassuring comfort (" ‘You no listen her,' he whispered in his accented English. ‘You mermaid. You swim when you want' "), then surprises the family by donning swim trunks and accompanying Sirena to lake's edge. Over recurrent outings, Poppo teaches the subject "how to love the water," using song to soothe, and by trip's end Sirena has grown in calm and confidence. Amid faint line drawings and striated wash textures, densely detailed narration serves to further visualize the goings-on, and the strength the child finds in relationship with Poppo yields a realistic and sensitive denouement. Characters are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 4–8.
