The Little Mermaid
10 pages · 3 min · ages 5+
Based on: Danish (Hans Christian Andersen)
Marina lived in a blue palace. She loved the bright coral reefs. Her father was the tall Sea King. Marina dreamed about the world above. She swam high to see the sun. The water shimmered like bright silver. Marina was a very curious mermaid.
One night, a big storm started. The dark waves grew very high. Marina saw a large wooden ship. Prince Leo fell into the sea. Marina swam fast through the waves. She was a very courageous mermaid. She brought him to the beach.
Marina wanted to see the land. She visited Zola the Sea Witch. Zola lived in a glowing cave. "I want to walk," Marina said. Zola smiled and waved her hands. She was a very wise woman. She helped Marina follow her heart.
Zola made a special magic potion. The purple liquid bubbled and popped. "This will give you two legs." "The magic lasts for three days." Marina did not lose her voice. She drank the sweet, cold juice. Marina felt a strange, new tickle.
Marina woke up on the sand. Her tail was now two legs. She stood up very, very slowly. Walking was a brand new adventure. The grass felt soft and cool. The sun felt hot and gold. She saw the Prince nearby.
Prince Leo found her sitting there. He showed her his big castle. They saw many tall, green trees. Marina saw birds in the sky. She tasted a sweet, red apple. Leo was happy to show her. Everything on land was so wonderful.
On the third day, Marina sighed. She missed her blue ocean home. She missed the quiet, deep water. The land was dry and loud. Her heart felt a little heavy. She missed the fish and coral. Marina loved both of her worlds.
The sun set over the waves. Marina walked back to the ocean. She said goodbye to Prince Leo. "I must go home now," Marina said. She jumped into the salty water. Her legs turned back into a tail. She felt happy to swim again.
The Sea King hugged his daughter. Marina told stories of the land. She spoke of trees and apples. All the fish listened to her. Marina was a very brave explorer. She taught them about the sun. Her father was proud of her.
Marina swam to the shore often. Prince Leo sat on the rocks. They talked for a long time. The sea and land were friends. Marina lived in two beautiful worlds. She was happy in her home. The ocean was full of magic.