Families who loved How to Catch a Mermaid by Alice Walstead often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is in a high-energy, creative mood or when you want to encourage the idea that failure is just a first draft for a better invention. It is the perfect choice for a rainy afternoon or a beach trip to spark a sense of wonder about the unseen world. The story follows a group of diverse children who use their engineering skills and imagination to build increasingly complex traps to catch a clever, elusive mermaid. While the goal is to catch a mythical creature, the heart of the book lies in the joy of the attempt. It celebrates teamwork and the iterative process of trial and error in a way that feels like play rather than a lesson. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations make it highly accessible for preschoolers, while the detailed trap designs will engage elementary-aged children who love to tinker and build. It is a lighthearted, fast-paced adventure that validates a child's sense of curiosity and their desire to achieve the impossible.