Mermaids Are the Worst!

...Are the Worst!

by Alex Willan

Gilbert the Goblin’s beachside vacation gets ruined by mermaids and their games in the side-splitting latest installment in The Worst! picture book series, where even the strangest of creatures can become the best of friends.

Who doesn’t love a good vacation? Soaking up some sun, floating on the waves and…arm wrestling an octopus? When mermaids show up in the middle of Gilbert’s goblin getaway, their fin-flapping festivities quickly turn rest and relaxation into stress and aggravation.

This is clearly proof that mermaids are the worst! Can Gilbert find his beachside bliss or will he be caught in the undertow of these seaside shenanigans?

Genres: Picture Books, Mermaids, Childrens, Fantasy, Humor, Juvenile, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Sharon Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. Super fun illustrations.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A grumpy goblin criticizes mermaids, begrudging their awesomeness because he wants to spend his vacation in isolation. The goblin is on the brink of condemning the magical creatures as “the worst”—that is, until the goblin beats the mermaids at their own game. Does the goblin learn from the error in judgment? Nope. The next tale will merely aim at another target. The adorable artwork makes the goblin’s negative mental attitude a bit too attractive, even acceptable.

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/mermaids-a...

MERMAIDS ARE THE WORST is a charming new installment in The Worst! Series. In this book, Gilbert the Goblin has gone on vacation - which is unpleasantly crashed by the Mermaid Tournament of Awesomeness. At first, he is bothered by the noise and disruptions to his island getaway - but he soon learns to join in and embrace the fun.

What I loved: This is a delightful continuation of a beloved series. Children love the grumpy Gilbert as he grouses about magical creatures- but he always comes to learn to empathize and appreciate them for what they are. The story is told from his dialogue, and this works extremely well to convey the story and make for a fun read-aloud.

The images are absolutely fantastic with lots of color and fun details - they tell the story as much as the words do (and sometimes more!). Children love this method of storytelling as they can glean the information from the illustrations and recognize where Gilbert is a bit of an unreliable narrator.

The font is clear and easy to read throughout (primarily in speech bubbles), which is helpful for adults reading aloud. The end also hints to a potentially future book with Gilbert saying he'll go camping for his next vacation - and shows him with many eyes in the woods. Maybe werewolves or bigfoot? We can't wait to see!

Final verdict: MERMAIDS ARE THE WORST! is a delightful and comedic picture book that is sure to delight elementary school aged readers! Highly recommend picking this one up - and checking out the rest of the charming series!

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sasa · Rating 1 out of 5]

the cute art almost makes readers forget that this story is about a cynical goblin who visited indigenous land to self-isolate and take a "vacation" while criticizing those indigenous to the area (mermaids) for doing something they always do. the mermaids were bipoc-coded, especially with their looks. i was hoping this would be a story about learning how to be a good community member and respecting the land but it was the total opposite. the goblin was a negative dipwad the whole time, he kept one-upping mermaids on everything, and he sounded like the bigoted neighbor that everyone hates. he complained about everything from how loud mermaids were to his vibes being ruined merely with their joy when they graciously welcomed him and they were there before him. there's nothing positive to gain from children reading this except to reinforce conservative ideologies in a lowkey way which is tourism is fine when it in fact destroys the environment and indigenous cultures/land and white civility > bipoc joy. i'm all for grumpy characters—in fact, i love them—but this on top of the subtle messages was not it. and before people are like "it's a fantasy, it means nothing, it's not political," keep your brainrot away from me. i'm good.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

A goblin's beach vacation coincides with an annual mermaid tournament much to his displeasure.

After hundreds of years, a goblin is finally able to take a vacation, which unfortunately coincides with an annual mermaid tournament, and his quiet peaceful beach vacation is continually disrupted by loud and crowded mermaid competitions until he accidentally wins an event and decides mermaids aren't so bad after all.

There is a cute running gag about a sign holding crab.

Older readers who has had a long-awaited vacation marred by inconsiderate others -- especially those with a higher social capital whose actions are excused and justified -- will appreciate this story.

The illustrations were done digitally.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Goblin takes a vacation, he discovers that Mermaids are the Worst. They are not quiet. In fact, his island paradise is the location of the Mermaid Tournament of Awesomeness.

I adore this series. Alex Willan has so many great ideas. I hope he never runs out of magical creatures this goblin can hate. If you don't have Unicorns, Dragons, Yetis, and Elves are the Worst, quickly purchase the whole series for your library.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

We absolutely love the “… are the worst” books, so this was a must read for us. We love seeing all the mishaps Gilbert gets into and how the creature that’s the worst ultimately ends up helping him in some capacity. This installment was especially perfect for the summertime, since it featured mermaids and beach vacation type activities. The artwork is vibrant and on point for the story. Quite simply, this book was a fun read.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Yoda-like creature takes a vacation hoping for peace and quiet. Alas, it is not to be as his time off coincides with the Annual Mermaid convention. Between the sand castle building, octopus arm wrestling and the singing, there is to be no peace and no quiet. The creature is able to beat the mermaids at their own swimming race, and is celebrated for it.

Meh. Mermaids are popular right now so I see an audience for this. But not recommended for storytime.

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in the Gilbert the Goblin series and I will definitely have to read the others to see if this grumpy goblin has his opinion changed about other magical creatures the way his opinion changed about mermaids. A great book for talking about having misconceived ideas about others. I also loved the little crab character and his quiet and funny way of helping the story along.

[Elena L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goblin is finally on vacation and desires a nice and quiet time. But does goblin have a relaxing time? All goblin's plans seem to fail. This picture book is the funniest and we appreciate mermaids even more now. This series is the funniest and the best thing to add to our home library!

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Simon kids . All opinions are my own ]

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series continues with Gilbert Goblin seeking a quiet vacation spot. Unfortunately, the beach he chose is also the home of the annual Mermaid competition. Readers will enjoy the humor Willan has shared in the whole series and appreciate how Gilbert finds ways to cope. I love the hint on the last pages for what comes next.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

MERMAIDS ARE THE WORST is the latest in this hilarious series by Alex Willan. Gilbert the Goblin is back and mermaids are ruining his vacation. They are making a racket preparing for the Annual Mermaid Tournament of Awesomeness and so they are clearly the worst. I don’t know that anything will ever eclipse the original, but this is a fun read aloud for mermaid fans and haters alike.

[lindsloveslit · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5

MERMAIDS ARE THE WORST was a lighthearted, cute, funny story. I am generally drawn toward reflective books (even when it comes to children's genre), and this is NOT that. BUT it was still really cute.

Read this if you are seeking silly adventures and shenanigans over the informative or reflective.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilbert is looking forward to a nice and quiet vacation in Mermaid are the Worst by Alex Willan, but when the 105th Mermaid Tournament of Awareness rolls in it is anything but quiet. With gorgeous illustrations and silly antics, this is another winner from Alex Willan.

Thank you Simon Kids

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another installation in the "Worst" series. Gilbert takes on Mermaids this time. All he wants is to enjoy a nice quiet beach. However when the mermaids arrive it is non stop activity. Colourful cute and funny.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

The goblin tries to take a beach vacation, but it select the location of the Mermaid Games. Finding a spot to relax is challenging, but, honestly a lot of the things it complains about seem avoidable.

[Donna Marx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of a goblin, Gilbert, as the main character. The premise of things being the worst but turning those negative things into a positive is definitely something kids can learn from in a fun way. There are many entertaining moments and the art is outstanding.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Willan is a comic genius to elementary school crowds. This one is extra funny to me, though, it follows the same pattern as his other books have in this series. I guess I just think Gilbert is hysterical and mermaid competitions are super silly.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An alien creature tries to take a vacation and ends up with mermaids all over the place disrupting all his plans. Funny and silly...I can definitely see mermaid lovers really liking this book!

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute pictures, cute story. Great for reading aloud. It would possibly need to be shortened for storytime to younger crowds, but would work great in individual/small group or with older preschool and early elementary kids.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert the Goblin decides after hundreds of years to take a much needed vacation. Thinking he's in for some peace and quiet, Mermaids arrive for their 105th Annual Mermaid Tournament of Awesomness. A fun read-out loud book.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally wanna play Narwhal ring toss!

So cute. Alex Willan does it again!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

older preschoolers and up

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun continuation of this series

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

not terrible, not amazing

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this. Would read all books in this series. It is exactly my type of whimsy.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a super cute book.

[Jocelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and cute.

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read aloud. I used this at Barnes & Noble’s story time and the kids loved it. A grumpy goblin finally gets to go on a relaxing and peaceful vacation… that is until the annual mermaid tournament settles in at the same location. Mermaids are the worst! Best read in your best goblin voice.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mermaids show up in the midst of Gilbert's goblin adventure things go wrong and he is unhappy. They become a bother and interrupt his good vacation time.