MERMAIDS   |   Dive into Mermaid Lore: Creative Writing Prompts & Magical Book Picks by Age

Dive into Mermaid Lore: Creative Writing Prompts & Magical Book Picks by Age

By a Bug & a Bean | Posted on 2025-07-07

Explore the magic of mermaid lore and history with creative writing prompts for all ages. Includes mythological insights, mermaid book recommendations by age, and a free printable to inspire storytelling.

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Splash into summer with our mermaid themed ideas. In this post, we are going to dig into some mermaid history and lore. We've included some fun summer mermaid creative writing ideas and book lists for all ages. These ideas are perfect for summer to make learning fun while school is out.

Mermaids have fascinated humans for thousands of years. Shimmering tails, ancient sea magic, sunken treasure, songs that lure ships to their doom—what's not to love? Whether you’re planning a mermaid-themed writing activity or just looking for a splash of magic in your homeschool day, this post is your enchanted gateway into mermaid lore, creative writing prompts, and book recommendations for all ages.

Don’t let these magical ideas swim away — pin them for later!

🐠 What Is Mermaid Lore?

Mermaid lore refers to the collection of myths, legends, and stories about mermaids from cultures around the world. These tales often explain the unknowns of the sea, reflect cultural fears or hopes, and offer a glimpse into the magical side of the ocean.

Here are a few fascinating highlights from mermaid history:

• Atargatis – One of the earliest mermaid figures, the Assyrian goddess Atargatis transformed herself into a mermaid around 1000 BC.
  Source: Britannica - Atargatis
• Greek Sirens – Originally bird-like creatures, sirens evolved over time into mermaid-like beings who sang sailors to their deaths.
  Source: Worldhistory.org - Siren
• Selkies – In Celtic mythology, selkies are seal-folk who shed their skin to become human. Their stories are often romantic, tragic, and mysterious.
  Source: Wikipedia - Selkie
• The Ningyo – A Japanese mermaid-like creature with a human face and a fish body. Eating its flesh supposedly grants immortality—but beware, it comes with a curse.
  Source: Yokai.com - Ningyo

Mermaid history is vast and diverse. These mythical beings appear in African, Polynesian, European, and Asian folklore—each version tinted by the fears and dreams of its people.

🌊 Mermaid-Themed Creative Writing Prompts

Need a spark of magic for your next writing session? These creative prompts are inspired by mermaid myths, modern tales, and the deep blue sea. Whether you're writing with little ones or exploring fantasy themes as a teen or adult, these prompts are ready to swim into your story.

Mermaid Writing Prompts For Young Kids (Ages 5–8):

• Draw your dream mermaid tail. What colors does it have? What powers might it hold?
• A baby mermaid finds a message in a bottle. What does it say?
• Describe a magical underwater garden filled with glowing seaweed and singing clams.

Mermaid Writing Prompts For Tweens & Teens (Ages 9–14):

• Your mermaid tail changes color with your mood. One day, it turns a shade you've never seen before...
• A mermaid rescues a human and has to decide whether to reveal her secret world.
• You discover you're a descendent of a legendary sea guardian. What responsibilities come with that?

Mermaid Writing Prompts For Teens & Adults:

• A deep-sea researcher finds a shipwreck... and a mermaid still guarding it.
• A selkie loses her seal skin and must find it before the next full moon—or remain human forever.
• Write a journal entry from the point of view of the last living mermaid.

Tip: Print your favorites or use them for a themed journaling challenge. Add watercolor sea creature stickers or draw your own borders to make it feel extra magical.

📚 Mermaid Books by Age Group

Pair your writing adventures with mermaid stories! Here are some favorite mermaid-themed books sorted by age. This section contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission from purchases made using our affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As affiliates, we are sometimes able to receive special pricing and discounts on our favorite items. We are excited to pass this savings along to our readers!

Mermaid Books for Ages 3–6:

Mermaid Books for Ages 7–10:

Mermaid Books for Ages 11–14:

Mermaid Books for Adults:

Many of these stories are rooted in mermaid folklore, reimagined for new generations of readers. Great for solo reading, book clubs, or themed family read-aloud nights!

🎈 Dive Deeper

Whether you're crafting stories in a writing journal, planning a homeschool literature unit, or just daydreaming about ocean magic, exploring mermaid lore is a creative adventure worth taking. Don’t forget to download our printable undersea journal paper to keep the inspiration flowing.

💖 Want more magical writing ideas? Join our list and get free monthly printables!