Orpheline: A Mermaid Lost and Found Story

by Katelyn Aronson, Dow Phumiruk (illustrator)

Discovering a baby mermaid on the beach is a dream come true—until Cora realizes that her wonderful find is someone else’s loss. A beautifully illustrated story for mermaid fans and tenderhearted readers everywhere.

“I’m Cora,” I say. “Don’t be afraid. You aren’t lost anymore. You’re found.”
Combing the beach after a lashing storm, Cora is busy filling her bag with sea glass when she spies an amazing sight by the water’s a tiny mermaid nestled in an abalone shell. Mama’s face turns pale when she sees her, but soon the half baby, half fish is squirming in the bathtub, giggling on wheelbarrow rides, exploring tide pools, and playing shadow games with Cora. All is blissful until Cora hears some strange whispering coming from the baby’s shell necklace, a voice that calls “Orpheline, Orpheline . . .” Protest as she will, Cora knows that this precious baby belongs to the sea—and to someone who misses her dearly. Poignant, atmospheric, and shimmering with mermaid magic, Orpheline will win the heart of every child who’s longed to have their fantasies come true, if only for a little while.

Genres: Picture Books, Mermaids

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Katelyn Aronson grew up in Southern California, where she went on to work in independent children's bookshops as a handseller, manager, and purchaser.

She won her first trip to Paris in a bookstore window display contest, and the rest was history. She moved to France permanently a few years later.

She has a degree in Liberal Arts, a degree in Language Didactics, and a bilingual Master’s in English/French from La Sorbonne University, Paris. Today, she lives between France and Switzerland and works as a bilingual language instructor.

She has 8 children's books in the publishing pipeline, as well as poems published in various children's magazines.

Reviews

[Jen Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young fans of magic and folklore will love this fantastic tale of young Cora who finds baby mermaid, Orpheline, on the seashore. This lovely and gently story of longing and belonging is perfect for a snuggly bedtime or a creative storytime session.

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cozy bedtime read that everyone will love. We loved how gently it shows caring for someone you love even when you have to let them go. Totally heart‑tugging, but it'll leaeve you with a sweet mix of joy and wistfulness. The illustratitons are amazing, too. Soft and sparkly and just beautiful. My kids were instantly drawn into the seaside feel and wanting to linger on every page.This one’s a winner.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeous picture book by talented storyteller Katelyn Aronson. In ORPHELINE, Cora finds a Merbaby washed up on the shoreline after a storm. ‘Storm at night. Treasure next light.’ And sweet little Orpheline is certainly a treasure. Cora immediately falls in love with her, claims her as her own, and brings baby Orpheline home. But what about the baby’s mama? Cora’s ‘found’ is another’s ’lost.’

Illustrations by Dow Phumiruk’s are dreamy, detailed, and magical! A perfect mermaid story for summer and all year long! Destined to be a classic!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a storm, what on Earth does Cora find? A mermaid, Cora will do everything to make the mermaid happy. Follow the story of what happens when Cora starts to hear whispers of Orpheline, from the shell necklace. Enjoy this magical filled story.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora lives near a beautiful beach with her Mama and their dog, Rascal.  During a loud overnight storm, Mama reassures Cora: “Storm at night, treasure next light.”  The next morning, Cora is greeted by a beach full of sea glass that has washed ashore.  While collecting with Rascal, she finds a merbaby nestled in a large abalone shell.  Instantly smitten, she brings her home to care for despite Mama’s seeming hesitation.  She bathes and feeds her, plays with her, and takes her to the beach in a wheelbarrow.  The baby has a shell pendant that whispers “Orpheline,” so Cora decides that’s her name.  Cora’s Mama is certain that Orpheline needs to be returned to the sea, and Cora slowly realizes that the voice coming through the shell is calling the baby home, and that Orphie wants to go.  After another torrential storm, Cora takes Orpheline to the beach, where a tender mother and child reunion takes place, as does a loving good-bye.

Young mermaid fans will love this seaside fairy tale with a bittersweet ending.  The writing is lyrical and gentle, using first person narration to bring readers into Cora’s world.  It is fun to imagine what it would be like to have a mermaid for a little sister, and easy to empathize with Cora as she struggles with the decision to return Orphie to the sea.  Beautiful, soft-toned pencil and digital illustrations show the beach setting and Cora’s home in detail - readers will especially love the mermaid decor in Cora’s bedroom, and the ever-present and attentive Rascal (especially when he curls up in the abalone shell after Orpheline is gone). Even the endpapers will tug at the heartstrings! Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story, and so will little girls. They already have a fascination with mermaids from the many animated Little Mermaid movies, so they gobble up this atmospheric and magical story.

Who wouldn't love a story that tells us about a little girl named Cora who finds a beautiful Merbaby named Orpheline who is lying in a shell that has washed up on the beach. Cora immediately falls in love with Orpheline and vice versa. They play and explore on the beach. Cora brings the Seashell into her bedroom so that Orpheline can sleep next to her, but  Orpheline's necklace has a magical seashell that lets her hear her Mommy calling and looking for her. Cora can see how much Orpheline misses the sea and her Mother, and even though Cora wants to keep her, she knows she must let her go.

So one stormy night, Cora whispers into the magical seashell, giving directions to Mommy mermaid, and the following day, she is waiting on a rock on the edge of the water. Before she leaves with Orpheline, she takes off her magical seashell necklace and puts it over Cora's head. Now, some days she can hear the Orpheline's voice crying, "Co-waaaa! Co-waaaa!"

Everyone will love how the illustrations and text immerse the reader into a world of softness and magic. Every page is gorgeous - total eye candy. The little dog was an adorable addition. And I love how Dow showed the readers visiting Writing and Illustrating how she went from sketch to finished page. There is lots of good information on how to illustrate a picture book. Plus a chance to win a book.

[Olivia]

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

ORPHELINE is a heartfelt story about home and friendship. Cora is exploring the beach when she finds a baby mermaid who seems lost. She brings her home and takes care of her. They have a lot of fun, but hearing Orpheline come through the shell she wears, Cora knows someone else is looking for her. After a storm, she brings Orpheline back to the water and to her mother, who gives Cora a shell just like Orpheline's. At the end, Cora hears Orpheline calling her through the shell and goes to visit her on the beach.

What I loved: This is a heartfelt story brimming with magic and love. While it is a little sad about Orpheline being lost, she and Cora have a wonderful time together and form their own bond. The ending is quite happy with Orpheline being reunited with her mother- and still being able to visit with Cora too. The illustrations are whimsical and suit the mood of the story perfectly. It feels like a fairy tale, both in the smooth text and the lovely pictures that go with it.

Due to the lengthier text, this will be best suited to older picture book readers, ideally young elementary school aged children who can appreciate the length and the story itself.

Final verdict: ORPHELINE is an enchanting picture book about love and friendship that will appeal to young lovers of magic and mermaids.

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

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orpheline tells the story of a girl who finds a baby mermaid who was separated from her mother during a storm at sea; the girl and her mother care for the baby until her mother is able to come to the shoreline. The girl and baby - named Orpheline - form a close bond in the short period of time together. This summery picture book exudes an aura of magic and possibility - anything really could happen. Orpheline embodies the transitional time between childhood and adulthood with the liminal setting, the surreal discovery of a half-fish/half-human being, and the uncertainty of Orpheline's stay; the pastel palette enhances the dreamlike quality. The deliciousness of embracing fantasy during the unsettling time of childhood will appeal to a young audience.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting a long time for this collaboration between Katelyn Aronson, one of my favorite writers, and Dow Phumiruk, one of my favorite illustrators. And it was definitely worth the wait! Orpheline tells of the love between Cora and the merbaby she finds. As the story evolves, it also shows that love can stretch in two directions--to the person who lost you and the person who found you. Gorgeously illustrated and touchingly written, Orpheline is a new reminder that to love someone is to let them be free.

[Patricia Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katelyn Aronson and Dow Phumiruk pack a lot of emotion in this tender story of love and loss. Aronson's powerful text will have kids riveted and wondering what will Cora do? Phumiruk's sparkling illustrations will help young readers feel the magic of mermaids and the sea. Magical, a must for your shelf!

[Angela Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh - I really enjoyed this one. The text was lyrical with an otherwordly quality, and the illustrations are tender. (My favorites are the end papers, especially the back two - so beautiful!) I was pleasantly touched by this story and felt Cora's and Orpheline's struggle. And after a first quick read, I settled in for a 2nd read so I could sit inside the world a little longer.

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little girl finds a baby mermaid and takes care of her before realizing she needs give her back to her mother. For me the story and illustrations were okay. I wouldn't check it out again from the library, but if I had a child who wanted to check it out I'd be alright with that.

[DanaMichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The language is lovely and the pictures are dreamy. I think this book would be good for 3-4 year olds. I wish there was more magic to it, more wow, but that's just me. It might be some kid's absolute favorite book.

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

This almost made me cry.

[Sassygirl87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about what once was lost, could be found and sometimes needs to be returned.

[Heidi Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting mermaid story with stunning illustrations!

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will delight all those who adore mermaids.

[Lauren Kerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Orpheline. Katelyn's text is lovely and resonant. And Dow's art is enchanting. I loved this magical story.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of mermaids, love, and loss. Beautifully written and illustrated.