The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Yolen, Jane

How to Spot a Mermaid

40 pp. | Chronicle | April, 2025 | Trade ISBN 9781452182735 $17.99

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sally Deng. “First, you need to be near a body of water. An ocean, if you are lucky.” The lyrical narration goes on to describe what someone needs to do to see a mermaid, from packing a snack to share (Goldfish crackers, of course) to sitting very still on a rock. In the concluding pages, mermaid and child share a tender moment of connection. The soothing blue, brown, and green mixed-media illustrations reflect the gentleness of the text.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns