Get Ready to Sing the A-B-Seas

Mermaid School
Written by Joanne Stewart Wetzel & Illustrated by Julianna Swaney
Age Level: 2-5 Years
Published July 17, 2018

Pack those seaweed snacks.

I absolutely adore this book. Its playful and popular mermaid theme will instantly capture your little reader’s attention. And you’ll be delighted to discover that it actually does an excellent job preparing your child to go to school for the very first time, or to start over at a brand new place.

Told in charming rhyme, the story follows a young mermaid on her first day of school. Each step is relatable, from the extra care she puts into getting ready, to the nervous optimism she feels about making new friends.

“Miss Marina sticks a starfish
By each name on her chart.
She says, ‘Let’s sing ‘The Goodbye Song’
Before we all must part.’ ”

I find this story to be reassuring with its focus on the school day’s predictability and routine, and exciting with its promise of fun and friendship. It turns out that it was written by a first day of school pro; author Joanne Stewart Wetzel was a self-proclaimed Air Force brat who had attended nine different schools by fifth grade. I’m thrilled that she channeled all of her wisdom and experience into this back-to-school gem.