Mermaid Books for 4 Year Olds

There’s something magical about mermaids that grabs a child’s attention. If you’re searching for ocean-inspired stories your child can enjoy, Mermaid Books for 4 Year Olds is just what you need. These picks have been favorites in our home, especially when we want to mix learning with play.

If you want more book recommendations, don’t miss my best Educational Books for Kids list. I update it with our top picks across various subjects and age groups. It’s my go-to guide whenever I need fresh ideas.

Here are some fun mermaid facts, my favorite activity kits and toys, tips for turning reading into an enjoyable habit, and of course, a book list filled with stories your child will want to read again and again.

a collage of my recommended Mermaid Books for 4 Year Olds

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Fun Facts About Mermaids

  • Mermaids have been part of folklore in many cultures for centuries. Stories of sea creatures with human features have appeared in old legends and myths from Europe to Asia.
  • Some tales describe mermaids as helpful and curious, while others portray them as mysterious and even mischievous.
  • The idea of mermaids has inspired art, music, and even real-life hoaxes—like the famous “Fiji mermaid” displayed in the 1800s, which turned out to be a fake.

Mermaid-Themed Activity Kits That Kids Love

If your child enjoys crafting, pretend play, or hands-on learning, mermaid-themed activity kits are a great match. They offer screen-free ways to keep curious kids busy while tying in fun, ocean-themed lessons.

DIY Light-Up Mermaid Terrarium Kit for Kids, 3 Light Modes Mermaid Toys & Activities Kits Presents, Arts & Crafts Mermaid Gifts for Girls Age 4 5 6 7 8-12 Years Old, Birthday Gift, Bedroom DecorDIY Light-Up Mermaid Terrarium Kit for Kids, 3 Light Modes Mermaid Toys & Activities Kits Presents, Arts & Crafts Mermaid Gifts for Girls Age 4 5 6 7 8-12 Years Old, Birthday Gift, Bedroom DecorGirls Gifts DIY Toy Set 3PCS 7.9-Inch, Pom Pom Crafts & Art Kits Mermaid Crafts Gifts for Girl Age 2 3 4 5 6, Toddler DIY Toys Crafts Kits for Sensory Activity, Birthday Christmas Gift for Girls 3-8Girls Gifts DIY Toy Set 3PCS 7.9-Inch, Pom Pom Crafts & Art Kits Mermaid Crafts Gifts for Girl Age 2 3 4 5 6, Toddler DIY Toys Crafts Kits for Sensory Activity, Birthday Christmas Gift for Girls 3-8KRAFUN Beginner Unicorn My First Lacing Card Kit for Kids Arts & Crafts, 10 Easy Princess, Mermaid, Lacing Projects, Toddlers Lace Project, Fine Motor Preschool Skills ToysKRAFUN Beginner Unicorn My First Lacing Card Kit for Kids Arts & Crafts, 10 Easy Princess, Mermaid, Lacing Projects, Toddlers Lace Project, Fine Motor Preschool Skills ToysVKPI 4 Pieces EVA Foam Art Crafts Gift Kit, Creative Make Your Own Mermaids, Cartoon Foam Paper Craft Projects for Kids Ages 4+ Toddler, Preschool Learning Toy for Birthday Party Favor SuppliesVKPI 4 Pieces EVA Foam Art Crafts Gift Kit, Creative Make Your Own Mermaids, Cartoon Foam Paper Craft Projects for Kids Ages 4+ Toddler, Preschool Learning Toy for Birthday Party Favor SuppliesMermaid Sticker Book Crafts for Kids Ages 4-8 Sticker Paint Books Stickers for Kids Girls Birthday Party Favors Road Plane Travel Learning Number Toys Activity Books (Mermaid)Mermaid Sticker Book Crafts for Kids Ages 4-8 Sticker Paint Books Stickers for Kids Girls Birthday Party Favors Road Plane Travel Learning Number Toys Activity Books (Mermaid)Mermaid Toys for Girls 4-6 Matching Game - Memory Game for Kids - Girls Toys 4-5 - Mermaid Gifts - 4 Year Old Girl Birthday Gifts - Kids Games Preschool Educational Toys - Easter Toys for ToddlersMermaid Toys for Girls 4-6 Matching Game – Memory Game for Kids – Girls Toys 4-5 – Mermaid Gifts – 4 Year Old Girl Birthday Gifts – Kids Games Preschool Educational Toys – Easter Toys for Toddlers

 

Why does early reading matter?

Reading with young kids builds vocabulary and helps them understand how language works better. It sets a strong foundation for future learning, and at this age, stories that capture their imagination work best.

I started noticing how my kids used new words from their favorite books in daily conversations. Over time, it became clear that reading regularly helped them become more confident when speaking and asking questions. Books with playful themes, like mermaids, kept them interested and made it easier to create a reading habit.

Mermaid Toys That Encourage Imaginative Play

Mermaid toys are perfect for pretend play and support creativity, storytelling, and communication skills. They also help keep the interest alive after storytime is over.

Civaner 4 Pieces Mermaid Dive Bath Toys Colorful Mermaid Pool Swimming Pool Games for Boys Girls Teens Adults(Classic Style)Civaner 4 Pieces Mermaid Dive Bath Toys Colorful Mermaid Pool Swimming Pool Games for Boys Girls Teens Adults(Classic Style)Peaceable Kingdom Shimmery Magical Mermaid Floor PuzzlePeaceable Kingdom Shimmery Magical Mermaid Floor PuzzleCherry Tale Mermaid Gifts for Girls Age 4 5 6 7 8 9 10, Girls Mermaid Birthday Gifts Set with Light Up Star Pillow Diary Plush DIY Water Bottle Kits ToysCherry Tale Mermaid Gifts for Girls Age 4 5 6 7 8 9 10, Girls Mermaid Birthday Gifts Set with Light Up Star Pillow Diary Plush DIY Water Bottle Kits ToysLIMIROLER Princess Dress Up Toys Princess Dress Up Clothes Rainbow Mermaid Cape Kit 9 Pcs Gift Set for Little Girls 3-8 Years Old, Great Gift Set for Birthday Christmas Halloween (Rainbow Pink)LIMIROLER Princess Dress Up Toys Princess Dress Up Clothes Rainbow Mermaid Cape Kit 9 Pcs Gift Set for Little Girls 3-8 Years Old, Great Gift Set for Birthday Christmas Halloween (Rainbow Pink)JOYIN Mermaid Tea Set for Toddlers Tea Party Set for Children Kids Pretend Role Play Tin Teapot Set with Cups, Plates and Carrying Case Kitchen Toy for Little Girls Birthday Gifts Age 3 4 5 6JOYIN Mermaid Tea Set for Toddlers Tea Party Set for Children Kids Pretend Role Play Tin Teapot Set with Cups, Plates and Carrying Case Kitchen Toy for Little Girls Birthday Gifts Age 3 4 5 6Gabby’s Dollhouse, Purr-ific Pool Playset with Gabby and MerCat Figures, Color-Changing Mermaid Tails and Pool Accessories Kids Toys for Ages 3 and UpGabby’s Dollhouse, Purr-ific Pool Playset with Gabby and MerCat Figures, Color-Changing Mermaid Tails and Pool Accessories Kids Toys for Ages 3 and Up

 

a collage of Mermaid Books for 4 Year Olds

How Can We Make Learning Engaging by Using a Mermaid Theme?

Themes make learning stick. When you wrap lessons in something fun, like mermaids, it turns what might feel like “school work” into a game. I noticed how much more my preschoolers paid attention when I used characters they already loved.

You can use mermaid themes for everything from letter recognition to counting and storytelling. You get a mix of fun and focus by weaving them into your learning time.

If you’re looking for more ways to support your early learner, check out these early learner printable packs. They’re designed to be fun, age-appropriate, and easy to use at home.

Mermaid Activities for Preschoolers You Should Try

Here are a few fun activities that go perfectly with your mermaid book collection:

  • Mermaid Slime: You can make your own stretchy, glittery mermaid slime at home using this easy recipe.
  • Ocean Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with colored water, play sand, shells, and small mermaid figures. This bin is great for sensory exploration.
  • Mermaid Dress-Up Storytelling: Let your child dress up and retell their favorite mermaid stories or create their adventure.
  • Seashell Counting Game: Use seashells to practice simple counting and sorting. You can turn it into a quick math game.

More Book Lists To Check Out

Looking for more themed books? I have plenty of suggestions for all kinds of topics and ages. There’s always something new to explore.

https://www.amazon.com
How to Catch a Mermaid
A clever group of kids tries all sorts of tricks to catch a mermaid. The rhyming pattern and colorful illustrations make this one easy to read aloud. It’s filled with fun, laughter, and lots of imaginative flair.
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https://www.amazon.com
Lola: The Bracelet Of Courage
Lola's undersea journey highlights the meaning of bravery and friendship. This book features bright illustrations and an engaging plot that's great for young listeners. A thoughtful story that teaches courage through a magical lens.
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https://www.amazon.com
Mermaid School
This story follows mermaids navigating their very first day of school. The characters are sweet, and the story is comforting for kids who might feel nervous about school transitions. A cute way to make new experiences feel exciting.
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Mermaids Don’t Fart
https://www.amazon.com
Mermaids Don’t Fart
A lighthearted, laugh-out-loud book that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Perfect for kids who enjoy a bit of silly humor with their stories. It's bold, cheeky, and gets giggles every time.
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The Mermaid
https://www.amazon.com
The Mermaid
This tale draws from "Goldilocks" but places it under the sea. The artwork is detailed and eye-catching, with lots of undersea creatures hidden on each page. A great pick for quiet reading sessions.
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Where Do Mermaids Go on Vacation?
https://www.amazon.com
Where Do Mermaids Go on Vacation?
Ever wonder where mermaids go to relax? This book offers fun answers with playful rhymes and vivid pages. It's pure imagination and fun.
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Mermaids’ Song to the Sea
https://www.amazon.com
Mermaids’ Song to the Sea
This story tells of music, dreams, and self-expression beneath the sea. With lyrical language and whimsical art, it's calming to read aloud. A beautiful story for quiet afternoons.
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The Mermaid Moon
https://www.amazon.com
The Mermaid Moon
This lyrical story tells of a mermaid and a human becoming friends. It focuses on kindness and connection. The flowy text is lovely to read aloud.
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https://www.amazon.com
Good Night Mermaids
Part of the "Good Night" series, this one winds down with sweet scenes of undersea adventures. It’s simple, soothing, and great for bedtime. Perfect if you want a mermaid-themed night routine.
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https://www.amazon.com
Today I Found a Mermaid
When a young child meets a mermaid, a charming friendship begins. This book is gentle and imaginative, encouraging children to believe in magic. A sweet read about connection and wonder.
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https://www.amazon.com
The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime
This story helps ease bedtime battles with gentle guidance. It follows a mermaid through her nightly routine in a relatable way. A calming story for wind-down time.
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https://www.amazon.com
A Mermaid Girl
This book offers a story of community and celebration. The characters are diverse and joyful. It highlights inclusion in a subtle, beautiful way.
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https://www.amazon.com
Orpheline: A Mermaid Lost and Found Story
A lost mermaid tries to find her way home. The illustrations are dreamy and the tone is soft. It's a story about friendship and finding your place.
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https://www.amazon.com
How to Meet a Mermaid
This one blends storytelling with crafts, offering interactive fun. Kids can read and then create, extending the story beyond the page. A great pick for hands-on learners.
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I’m a Mermaid
https://www.amazon.com
I’m a Mermaid
A simple and cheerful tale that introduces young readers to the joys of being a mermaid. Bright artwork and clear language make it easy to follow. Lovely for reading together.
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Bringing mermaids into your reading time can make books even more exciting for your preschooler. I hope you found a few new favorites to try out with your child.

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