Recommended Ages 3-7 years
On hot summer days, I love to imagine myself swimming in the deep blue, cool waves carrying me off on an adventure. It’s easy to dream with an abundance of mermaid-themed books, movies and activities within reach. Our latest favorite is Cadence and Kittenfish by Judith L. Roth. Combining two of our favorite things, kittens and little mermaids, this picture book perfect for ages 3-7 is adorable. In Cadence’s underwater kingdom she has cozy beds with seafoam pillows, floating tea parties, and mermaid big sisters, what more could a young mer-girl ask for?
While pranking the local fisherman, Cadence discovers one of the cutest and equally mischievous land creatures... kittens! Immediately she swims home to ask her dad for one, but he says a catfish will have to do. Far from being cute and cuddly, she declares that she wants something “adorable, not horrible” and decides to figure out how to play with the kittens in the sea. It takes a lot of trial and error when Cadence almost gives up on her dream of having someone comical and cute to play with when the perfect little one comes splashing her way! Not to give away the spoilers on who Cadence matches with you’ll have to flip through the pages yourself! Jacklyn Sinquett’s bright and detailed illustrations will give you clues along the way to who may be best fit to be Cadence’s new playmate. This beautiful book is a quick and fun read, parents and kids will want to sit and flip through the pages again and again to look at more detail in the illustrations and enjoy the lighthearted story.
If this book so inspires your child to want to play with something cute and comical (but also don’t want to bring one home) you can check out the Meow Parlour where you can play with adoptable kittens!
Amanda is a preschool teacher, mother and avid Central Park picnicker. She values community and is an advocate for families in the foster care system. One day she hopes to publish a children's book of her own. In the meantime, you can follow her Instagram, Enchanted Literacy, which encourages imagination and passion for reading.
