The Mermaid with no Tail is based on the life of Paralympic champion swimmer and gold medalist Jessica Long. Jessica was born in Russia, but adopted by an American couple when she was 18 months out. Her legs were amputated below the knees so she could be fitted with prosthetics. There was no stopping her. She was involved in many sports and learned to swim in her grandparent's pool. In this book, Tatiana is a mermaid who has no tail. She was found abandoned in some seaweed by a pair of turtles and they raised her as their own. She would watch the mermaids swim and compete in the mermaid games, and was determined to participate and win. Her parents encouraged her, so she found an old shark who was a coach. He trained her and helped her to use what she had to become the best she could be. Strengthening her arms and learning to use them to swim, might just be what she needed to give her an edge.

I read the story as it was to my grandkids and they enjoyed it. The oldest was feigning disinterest, until I read Jessica's story at the end and he was asking all kinds of questions. He even researched her to make sure she was real. The younger ones liked the story and thought Tatiana was pretty smart. We talked about strengths and how everyone has different strengths and we aren't all good at the same things. This is a great book to teach about perseverance, following your dreams, teasing and bullying, as well as the love of parents. We enjoyed this one.

How can you not appreciate a children’s book about a mermaid (with no tail) based on an Olympian’s true story of competing (and winning)? This is not only inspirational but heart warming; and adorable. I especially liked the shark coach! Because who doesn’t want a shark as their coach! Lol.

The overall moral is that what makes you different is what makes you great. And I couldn’t agree more. This kids book is perfect for ages 3+ and a great daytime or bedtime story. Suitable for any household and a perfect gift.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

As a mom, I’m always looking for books that inspire my child, and The Mermaid With No Tail by Jodi Lynn Anderson does just that. This beautifully illustrated story follows a young mermaid born without a tail, who learns that her differences make her unique and special. The book emphasizes self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of being true to yourself.

The message is empowering, and the whimsical artwork keeps kids engaged. It’s a story that opens up important conversations about embracing what makes us different, which I love sharing with my little one.

Final Thoughts: The Mermaid With No Tail is a heartwarming, empowering story that’s perfect for young readers. Moms will appreciate its positive message about individuality and self-love, making it a meaningful addition to any child’s bookshelf.

This was a lovely read. Thank you for sharing it with me. This book has wonderful representation and is so necessary for all kids. I highly recommend this book.

<i>I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</i>
my child liked this book and loved the illustrations.
this is a great story that was easy to follow, had beautiful pictures, and had a beautiful message

A great story about overcoming differences and becoming your best self. The preschool girl loved this story.

A mermaid born with no tail, decides she wants to compete in the Mermaid Games, and even while other mermaids make fun of her, she leans into the support from her adoptive turtle parents and her shark coach, Phelpsy, who remind her to lean into her strengths and keep working towards her goals.

This beautiful illustrated picture book, inspired by the author’s life experience as a Paralympic champion swimmer and gold medalist, is really sweet and evocative. My kiddo and I enjoyed reading it, loved the illustrations and had some beautiful conversations afterwards about disability, courage, peer pressure and persevering towards your goals even when you feel discouraged.

Share it with all the children in your life!
My thanks to Jessica Long, Sounds True Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Mermaid with No Tail”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Sweet fictional retelling of Jessica’s own story of triumph amidst her physical disability. The story encouraged children to work hard despite adversity and touches on the damaging effects of bullying others. I thought the illustrations were adorable!

The Mermaid with No Tail is a very cute children’s book. Tells the story that be different does not matter. And you can still win.

This book is a great example of teaching children that regardless of their situation, they can overcome. I enjoyed that it doesn’t just preach a tolerance for differences, instead it advocates for actively celebrating our differences. The illustrations were beautiful as well and I think many age groups will respond positively to this picture book. This is certainly something parents can use to start a conversation about people living with physical differences.

This enchanting narrative serves as a beacon of empowerment, making it an ideal choice for readers navigating self-esteem and body image. Through Tatiana's journey, readers are treated to a heartwarming reminder that embracing one's individuality leads to the most enchanting victories.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's awe-inspiring. This picture book draws the reader into a world of the seas and the mermaids who live within. Meet Tatiana, a mermaid with no fins, but through sheer determination and strong will, she pushes herself through practicing and practicing for the Mermaid Games. I highly enjoyed this one. Young Tatiana is an inspiration for those who try their hardest and succeed every day.

This was such a really sweet book about a mermaid who despite her lack of tail was able to still thrive.

This is a sweet and heartwarming book about a mermaid with no tail who overcomes her differences to achieve her dreams. The story and pictures are really well done and I loved the analogy.

This was an uplifting book about a young mermaid who, despite her disability, is determined to succeed in her goals. I liked the inclusion of Michael Phelps as a shark.

This review was made possible via an ARC through NetGalley.

The Mermaid with No Tail is gorgeously illustrated and the little details that reflect Long's own life really make it come alive. The turtle parents and the shark coach were excellent touches. The prose flows smoothly and was easy for me to imagine gestures to use if I was reading it in a classroom, library, or to a young relative before bed.

This would be an excellent addition to anyone's personal illustrated book library.

'The Mermaid with No Tail' by Jessica Long is a cute story. Anyone who love mermaids or has a para-athlete in their orbit will enjoy the book. The illustrations are spectacular. The prose is fine.

My daughter and I loved this book. I lost count how many times she made me read it to her. It’s a great book for discussion on how everyone is different and special in their own ways. It was a very inspiring book for not only kids but adults too.

Thanks NetGalley for the preview!

Loved this book! Such a great message and gorgeous pictures! Added it to my daughters Christmas list.

i really love how this encaptured the spirit of kids and how exciting it was to read! i will for sure recommend this to any mermaid loving children in my life!