Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fresh fairy tale twist focuses on friendship, not romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE LITTLE MERMAID, a young mermaid princess named Melody is enchanted by the mystery of the world above. She feels so compelled to find a way to play on the beach with her newfound human friend, a girl named Zion, that she betrays her father's orders and makes a bargain with the Sea Witch to exchange her precious voice for a pair of legs. As in the classic story, Melody's joy on land is fleeting as chaos ensues in her underwater kingdom after she leaves. She has to make the heartbreaking choice between friendship and duty to her family. The all-Black cast provides a diverse and inclusive take on this familiar fairy tale.
Is It Any Good?
This rendering of the classic tale, set between the fantastical worlds of the sea and the shore, will resonate with audiences who crave more representation in fairy tales. It is refreshing to see a young Black girl serve as a role model based on her sense of adventure, inquisitiveness, and love for her friends and family. This new version of The Little Mermaid allows readers to think critically about who they are, and what's most important to them.
The characters are brought to life through Pinkey's delicate pencil-and-watercolor illustrations, and the many details tucked in the art will draw readers in. The characters' feelings are palpable and brilliantly portrayed in the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this new version of The Little Mermaid compares with the classic fairy tale and the familiar Disney animated movie adaptation. How is this version different? Which do you like better? How did the ending make you feel?
There's so much going on in the intricate illustrations. What small details and hidden aspects of the story can you find in the art? Which picture is your favorite?
Why do you think Melody places her trust in the hands of a stranger, the wicked Sea Witch? How important is listening to your parents' and caregivers' guidance to stay safe?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jerry Pinkney
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little Brown and Company
- Publication date : November 3, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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