We Can be Mermaids  

About this book

Five-year-old Silver absolutely loves swimming and anything to do with the ocean. Whether she’s in the pool or at the beach, Silver always feels most herself in the water and her dream is to become a mermaid. But on a family trip to the local lido, Silver discovers that her dad can’t swim. The only thing she adores more than swimming is her dad, and she would rather give up her magical dreams than swim away without him. 

The next morning, Silver makes a sad decision; she gets rid of her swimsuits and goggles and vows never to swim again. She tries not to think about swimming, but it’s no use; she misses it so much. Dad is just as glum, but he has a surprise for Silver that will help her see that she doesn’t need to change herself or her dreams for anyone. 

Magically heart-warming, this story centres on a charming father-daughter bond while addressing the underrepresentation of Black adults and children in swimming. Silver is a delightful little girl who is passionate about the things and people she loves. The book does a brilliant job at gently encouraging children to pursue their dreams, even when there are challenges.