Naynay and the Mermaid (Tasma Walton, illus Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, Scholastic)

Naynay and the Mermaid is a beautifully told and visually striking picture book by accomplished actor and author Tasma Walton, a proud Boonwurrung woman from Melbourne. Naynay is asked to keep watch for the protective spirits of the sea while diving for abalone with her family. Her imagination takes flight when she spots something mysterious – a sudden splash and the flick of a tail. This is a fresh and culturally grounded take on the idea of a child longing to meet a mermaid, inspired by the saltwater stories of the Boonwurrung people. Everyday family life is blended with the wonder of the ocean and the strength of cultural storytelling. Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, a proud Bundjalung woman and artist, provides luminous illustrations that beautifully complement the text. Boonwurrung words are embedded throughout the story, bolded for visibility and often clear in context, while a glossary offers explanations for independent readers aged 5–8. Walton’s delicate use of assonance and alliteration adds to the story’s rhythm and makes it a perfect book to read aloud. Naynay and the Mermaid is a charming story about respect for Country and Sea Country, ideal for readers who enjoyed Melissa Greenwood’s Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean.  

Books+Publishing reviewer: A Kirk is a librarian who cannot and does not want to imagine life without words and books. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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