How to Catch a Mermaid

How to Catch

by Adam Wallace

Many claim to have caught a mermaid, but can YOU? How do you catch a mermaid? You must be very clever. With mirrors, crowns, and pearls galore, this quest can't last forever!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mermaids, Fantasy, Fiction, Storytime, Adventure

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Adam Wallace is a New York Times, USA Today and Amazon Bestselling author of the How to Catch series!
Adam's passion is to bring excitement and energy and humour and joy to children (of all ages!) through his books and videos.
He spends his non-writing time thinking about writing and going to as many live music shows as he can. He's also teaching himself piano, and plays golf too.

Reviews

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute pictures for a little princess lady in the house. The rhyming was okay. It is a readable sort.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in simple rhyming verse, this is a tale of two clever kids and a dog trying their best to catch an equally clever mermaid. The elusive mermaid keeps escaping the traps set to lure her in but when the friends find themselves in danger, the mermaid shows up to save the day! Vivid illustrations add excitement to this fun adventure for young readers.
Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tyler Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was a cute short children's picture book about 2 kids trying to catch a mermaid. Sweet. Fun. Nice pictures.

[Chance Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird story about kids trying to capture a mermaid, but she ends up saving them. They never really think about how maybe they shouldn't be trying to enslave another human-esque creature, but maybe someone who is half-human still constitutes a pet.

[IvyInThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yeah

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful children's book is written in rhyme with adorable and vivid illustrations to help the early reader use picture cues. This is a story of two clever kids and a dog trying their best to catch an equally clever and fast mermaid. The mermaid keeps escaping the traps set to lure her while collecting treasure along the way. When the friends find themselves in danger, the mermaid shows up to save the day! Unfortunately, she does not stick around, but quickly dives in and swims away. A fun adventure to share with young children and for young readers to practice their skills. A nice addition to a family, classroom, school or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Elley Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. They're so crisp and colorful, they make the book a joy to read.
The story is told in a ABCB rhyming pattern, with a "verse" on each two page spread. A problem a see a lot with books that try to tell a story in verse is with an awkward flow, but the rhythm of the verses in this story is wonderful and fun to read.
The story is fun, about two kids (and a dog) trying to catch a mermaid, but then they run into some trouble with some sharks and the mermaid ends up saving them. It's a cute, fun read and just happens to be an excellent length for a bedtime story.

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars to this magical little story of how to catch a mermaid, because really, who doesn't want to catch a mermaid???

Fun with rhyming words and vivid illustrations. I really enjoyed this and so did the young kids I shared it with. Every home with young ones needs a copy of this. Sure to be popular and asked to be read often!

"Last week I saw a mermaid.
It's not something I'd pretend!
I'd really like to catch her
so she could be my friend. "

I want a mermaid for a friend too!

Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley, and Adam Wallace for a digital ARC to read for review. Highly recommended!

[Robin Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids are obsessed with this book. No real lesson or teaching points but sometimes entertaining is all they need :)

[mena ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

read to my preschool class!

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ordinarily avoid very commercial-looking picture books like this one, but my girls have been really interested in mermaids so I decided we'd give this book a try. Unfortunately, the rhyme scheme didn't quite work for me, and the focus was more on designing ways to capture the mermaid than on actually spending time with her. (I also thought it was weird for people to be trying to capture a creature that is at least half-human and looks like a person from the waist up. I feel weird thinking about the dignity of a mermaid, but it felt odd to me.) Good mermaid books are hard to find; alas, this book does not alleviate that difficulty.

[Jessica✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a adorable little book that kids will enjoy. Not because its easy to understand but because the artwork is so bright and vivid.
How to Catch a Mermaid, is exactly what the title says it is. You go on this fantastical adventure of how to, yes, catch a mermaid. Its a very sweet story for first time readers and I would recommend it if they are just starting out to learn to read. It's not complex, its not wordy. It's just perfect for a reading newcomer.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

These kids try to catch a mermaid and keep her like a pet but the mermaid ends up saving both kids. The concept is a little strange considering that mermaids are half human and keeping them against their volition is considered slavery. Nevertheless, it's a cute story if you don't think about the moral of it logically.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read to my baby girl. Put her right to sleep (in a good way). Loved how on the end the kids learned they shouldn’t catch the mermaid, since the mermaid helped save them from the sharks!

[Jesa Burgoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

May's Wheel of TBR 2022
Prompt: Read a short book

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mermaids do not want to be caught lol. 🧜‍♀️

[Franci · Rating 3 out of 5]

#14 of 2021

Lovely illustrations!
The story was cute, but it needed something.
Maybe less rhyming?
I can't describe it, maybe just not my style.

[Alann Blanco · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐ (¿Para que atrapar a una sirena? Cuando puedes ser amigo de una de ellas)

A todos nos gustaría tener como amigo a alguien tan interesante y conocer todo lo que hacen. Nuestra protagonista una niña que vive cerca del mar desea ser amiga de una sirena, el problema es como acercarse o como atrapar a una y que esta sea su amiga. Para ello tendra que idear un plan para conseguir su objetivo, con la ayuda de su amigo y un perro pondran objetos interesantes cerca del mar y de la trampa para atrapar a la sirena, pero las sirenas son muy rapidas e inteligentes. ¿Podrá conseguir su objetivo y ser amiga de una sirena?⁣
⁣
Esta es una pequeña historia de aventura y de trabajo en equipo, con un plan que pondra a prueba todas las ideas hasta llegar al objetivo, acompañaremos durante esta travesia a nuestros pequeños personajes en un recorrido al mar.⁣
Quizas no es necesario atrapar a una sirena, despues de todo las sirenas son valientes y nos puede ayudar cuando más lo necesitamos.⁣
⁣
Me encanta las ilustraciones de este libro, mi color favorito es el azul y lo tenemos muy presente en cada pagina de esta historia al tratarse de una historia sobre el mar.⁣

[Sakebushippo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Wallace es un autor a quien le encanta escribir historias que hacen reír a los niños y se emocionan con la lectura, el dibujo, la escritura, las siestas y la música. Tiene más de 80 libros publicados en el mundo.

Por otro lado, Andy Elkerton, es un ilustrador infantil. Comenzó su carrera como diseñador gráfico de videojuegos y después de catorce años decidió probar suerte como ilustrador de libros para niños. Desde 2002 ha realizado trabajos para libros ilustrados, publicidad y diseño de juguetes.

Ambos autores se unen en esta mágica y divertida historia sobre una pequeña que un día decide atrapar a una sirena con la intención de hacerse su amiga. Sin embargo lo que la pequeña ignora es que atrapar sirenas no es una tarea fácil y requerirá de mucha inteligencia y astucia para lograr su cometido.

Con diversas trampas la pequeña intentará atrapar al misterioso ser marino, pero siempre algo parece salir mal en sus planes. Y es que tal vez, lo que ella aún no nota es que, tal vez capturar a una sirena no sea la mejor forma de entablar una amistad.

Cuando un repentino suceso pone en peligro la vida de la pequeña tras sus constantes intentos de ser amiga de la criatura marina, será el momento decisivo para ambas. ¿Lograrán salvarse la una a la otra y ser amigas?

LEER COMPLETO EN MI BLOG: https://divergentemexico.blogspot.com...

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

***Actual Star Rating: 1.5***

At this point there are so many books that include fantastical creatures that are geared for adults as well as children that I was hoping this would be one of them. Unfortunately it wasn't and is most definitely a children's book while part of an ongoing series that at this time I don't feel like pursuing to see how the other books compare.

In this particular tale the reader starts off meeting a little girl who says she has seen a mermaid, knows her to be true and wants to catch her so that way she has a new friend. She then continues to explain what she would do with this captured friend before enlisting the help of a boy and dog to help her reach this goal. And the escapades follow after that.

First of all the writing is easy-to-read and understand while rhymes so would most definitely attract much younger readers. There are certain words on each page that are made to stand out from the rest of the text but they didn't seem to have any importance or theme to them, which is a bit confusing as to that change-up being included.

The illustrations are brightly colored and quite detailed although you never get to see the mermaid's face and you can see through the hair on her back that she has a top on. Unfortunately for the illustrations this is a book that is meant to be enjoyed physically since the page illustrations are continuous for the two-page spread so with a digital read that doesn't share the pages side-by-side you are missing out on the whole scope of the artwork.

And now the but.... The .5 star rating was for the above reasons but to me this book would honestly have received a one-star rating for two reasons. First of all what type of person is taught to capture a friend instead of asking them to be one and then the narrator would blindly hope that imprisoned friend would escort them merrily off to their city? Such poppycock even when you must emphasize your conquest as being fishy!

Then second we are to demonize sharks and make them the villain although clearly this ragtag group off to try their trapping techniques clearly aren't.

All in all it can be a cute story for children if you overlook the darker aspects of the story and one that may be quite fun to read to them. But as for me, myself and I, I am going to steer clear of other similar books from this author.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a digital review copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
A story told in rhyming verse about two kids who go on an adventure in an attempt to catch a mermaid. The illustrations are very cute and use vivid, beautiful colors. While the verse is simple and fun, there were several places where it flowed very awkwardly. Overall, a fun, humorous story.

[C Exley Books (Cassandra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my five year old son and two year old daughter this morning before taking my son to school.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. This is a tale of two clever kids and a dog trying their best to catch an equally clever mermaid. The elusive mermaid keeps escaping the traps set to lure her in but when the friends find themselves in danger, the mermaid shows up to save the day!

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not as good as “How to Catch a Unicorn” but my daughter liked it. I think she is definitely more of a fan of unicorns than mermaids and I felt like the words in this book did not have as good sentence fluency.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read during school visit (SSY) on August 15th, 2019.

[Mari Flowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

¡Hola lectores! 🥰

Hoy es día mundial de la lectura y qué mejor que leer con sus peques para conmemorar. ❤️📚

Hoy les traigo una recomendación maravillosa, donde las ilustraciones nos llevarán a ese mundo lleno de vital liquido y donde viven aquellos seres que todos soñamos ver de pequeños: las sirenas. 🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️

Del sello infantil Picarona, Ediciones Obelisco.

Cómo atrapar a una sirena.
Escrito por Adam Wallace e ilustrado por Andy Elkerton.

Un libro en donde encontraremos rimas que nos transportan al mundo de una niña que quiere atrapar a una sirena para ser amigas. 🧜‍♀️🧑👱‍♀️🐕

Pero ¿cómo se atrapa a una sirena? 🤔

Sola no podrá por eso un equipo reunirá y la aventura comenzará. 🙆‍♀️🚣‍♀️

No se pierdan toda la audacia por atraparla, el trabajo en equipo y la valentía de la hermosa sirena para al final rescatarlos. 🧜‍♀️🧑👱‍♀️🐕

Sumérjanse en este fabuloso libro que, sin duda, los más pequeños amarán. 🏝️🌊❤️

Sobre el autor y el ilustrador.

Adam Wallace. Es ingeniero y profesor de la escuela primaria, lo que significa que pasó mucho tiempo perfeccionando sus habilidades de escritura. Tiene en su haber más de 30 libros publicados, Adam disfruta pasando sus días escribiendo, dibujando y asistiendo a talleres.

ANDY ELKERTON es el ilustrador de When You're Feeling Sick de Coy Bowles y el bestseller del New York Times How to Catch a Leprechaun . Comenzó su carrera como diseñador gráfico de videojuegos, cuando la industria aún estaba en pañales, y después de catorce años decidió probar suerte como ilustrador de libros infantiles. Desde 2002 ha realizado trabajos para libros ilustrados, publicidad y diseño de juguetes. Vive en un pequeño pueblo de la costa oeste de Escocia con su esposa y sus tres hijos.

¡Un libro fantástico que no debe faltar en nuestra biblioteca! 📚📚📚

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Last week I saw a mermaid.
It's not something I'd pretend!
I'd really like to catch her
so she could be my friend. "

So begins the tale of ... "how to."

This little girl yearns to encounter a real mermaid so she can tour mermaid city with her and swim for days and days. She invites her friend to come join her team and together they plan out a mermaid-catching scheme.

Their imaginations and creativity are ignited because nothing like this has ever been done before. Do you know of anyone who has tried to catch a mermaid? I sure don't. Mermaids are streamlined and move fast and they can disappear in the wink of an eye so their plan will have to be clever, smart and sneaky. Then... gotch ya!

This wonderful rhyming book is written by New York Bestselling author Adam Wallace and the illustrations by Andy Elkerton are amazing. The pictures are vibrant, packed full of action and detail and very expressive. They insert the reader right into the pages of the story and animate the narrative perfectly. I love them!

Kids will adore this underwater adventure as their imaginations ignite to try and figure out how in the world a mermaid can be caught. I love books that stretch kid's minds into the realm of the make-believe and wonder. I highly recommend this book.

[Sienna Lyon-Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, a young girl and boy, and also a dog, adventure to find and catch a mermaid in the water. They come up with ideas to bait the mermaid toward them. They think of a jewelry box, crown, and a necklace. However, they cannot seem to catch the mermaid despite the lures working. The kids are then chased by sharks, but the mermaid comes to save them with her siren, and she helps them back to shore. Although the group did not get to catch a mermaid, they did get to meet one.
This would be a great read aloud book for elementary students, as every other line rhymes with each other. As I read the story myself, I got into a rhythm on each page of how I would read it to children. It is actually quite catchy and also has some larger vocabulary that would be good to introduce to children such as; "scheme" or "courageous."
The illustrations in this book seem to be digitally created, which makes them seem more life-like than other books. There is lots of color and detail for the reader to look at which is one of things I think makes this book engaging. I also enjoyed that in specific words on each page, Wallace writes them in different fonts, sizes, and colors, to make them stand out. For example, the word "scary" is written in green and a font to resemble wooden boards; and the word "sparkly" literally has a sparkle coming off the word.

[Katlyn Kauffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

summary- you as the reader are asked to help the girl try to catch a mermaid. It's not something that you learn in school, you must first make a gentle trap by the tide shore. You will put a crown in a trap and when she goes to grab it the trap will fly over her. You know this because mermaids love shiny things. But will this work? Will you be able to catch the mermaid or will she be too fast and smart for you. As you read this book, help the girl try to catch the mermaid with all the tips and tricks that you know.

evaluation- this is a very cute book for younger girls that have an interest in mermaids. It helps them follow along in an investigation as well as makes them infer as to what they think will happen next. They are guessing the entire book until the end to see if they were able to catch a mermaid or not.

teaching point- although this is fantasy this allows the reader to develop their imagination and create different ways as to how they will catch the mermaid. They are using their reading skills the entire book as well as their investigation skills where they will continue to keep trying to catch the mermaid.

[Sierra Jamis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always excited to see what book Adam Wallace comes up with next. His "How to Catch..." series is so much fun. With topics that appeal to kids, and characters that coincide with holidays, his creativity always shines through. We will continue to add to our collection in the library everytime he releases another book from the series. Kids love them.

Will our character be able to catch the mermaid that she saw? What if she tries to lure her with a treasure chest? A sparkly necklace? A crown? Read to find out if the mermaid falls for the trap!

Kids love this series. They are short and fun. Told in rhyme, Adam Wallace always finds a way to be creative with his characters and their antics. In the classroom, this would be a good book for a STEM lesson. What kind of trap would you try to create to catch a mermaid? It would definitely need to be a different kind of trap than you would need to catch say, a turkey, or the tooth fairy. This is also a good book to use for: begin with the end in mind (make a plan), and writing a how-to story. Cute.

https://mrsjamis.wixsite.com/misslibr...

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

All questions answered by my 4 year old

Do you like this book?
Yeah! It has mermaids!

What's your favorite part of the book?
When they tried to catch the mermaid with sparkly stuff but she swam so FAST!

What do you think of the cover?
It's so pretty! It has a mermaid and it's underwater!

Do you want me to read it again?
Yeah!

Momma thinks...
This was a super cute book about a couple little kids who decide they want to try to catch a mermaid. They do everything they can, using shiny and sparkly objects, but the mermaid is just too fast for them!

The format of this book was super weird on my kindle, so it was kind of hard to read. But the artwork is beautiful and colorful and the words rhyme, which is always fun.

I wish it was just a bit longer too, but I almost feel like some of the pages are missing from this version, because it kind of just jumps into the book.

We received an ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest review.