If your child has ever been lonely, they will delight in Deborah Stevenson’s picture book, Marvin’s Little Mermaid. This story begins right after Marvin has moved to a new city far away from all his friends. His loneliness almost kept him from going to the fair, where events would turn his world around. After inserting money into The Great Magnifico fortune machine, he thinks the fortune he gets is a joke. It says his wish will come true. Really? A little later, he wins a fish at one of the games, but when he looks closely, he realizes it is not a fish but a small mermaid named Stella. One day, Stella mentions how she misses the ocean. Like a good friend, Marvin takes Stella back to the shore. Can you guess what happens after he lets her go home? Read this book to find the exciting results of true friendship.

The value of friendship cannot be overstated. Marvin’s Little Mermaid shares in simple words, by Deborah Stevenson, and glorious illustrations, by Stella Maris, how true friends care for each other. After a magical story, this book concludes with a truly awe-inspiring ending. This is a great book to discuss with your children as you help them learn how to make friends and keep them. Moving can be challenging for all of us, but it affects children more than adults. Children may have to leave behind everything they are familiar with, and the loss of friends is the most difficult loss to endure. If you are planning a move, discuss with your child what will be changing and help them make plans to continue having contact with their friends. In today’s high-tech world, there are many ways to stay connected. But also help your child prepare to make new friends at their new house and school. After spending over forty years counseling families who had experienced loneliness from moving, I highly recommend this book.

Marvin moved to a new city. He was far away from his friends and lonely. One day, Marvin attended a carnival, and as he moved through the crowd, a fortune teller sign attracted him. He put a dollar in the machine and received a message that read, “Your wish will come to you.” Marvin did not believe in magic wishes, so he went to the game section, where he won a goldfish. The goldfish was a mermaid that could talk, and Marvin was surprised. The goldfish’s name was Stella. Marvin took Stella home and made her comfortable. But as time passed, she also became lonely and missed home. Marvin had to decide his next move, but Stella also had a surprise for him. Read Marvin’s Little Mermaid by Deborah Stevenson for the complete story.

Marvin’s Little Mermaid is a picture book for young readers between four and eight, or grades one to three. Parents and teachers can also discuss this story at home or in children's groups because it delivers beneficial lessons. Children will learn compassion, selflessness, and the benefits of helping others in this book. The universe has a way of repaying everyone. I loved the story and the little weave of magic, which will excite and fascinate children. The drawings and color scheme will also appeal to every child reader. At the end of this picture book, Deborah Stevenson sends a note to every child intending to own pets. The information will be helpful to youngsters. Thank you for a beautiful story.