The Little Mermaid by Jerry Pinkney

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY Pinkney, J., & Andersen, H. C. (2020). The little mermaid. Little, Brown And Company. B. PLOT SUMMARY The Little Mermaid by Jerry Pinkney is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic fairy tale that explores love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. The story follows a young mermaid who is fascinated by the human world and dreams of living on land. After saving a human prince from a shipwreck, she falls in love with him and becomes determined to be with him, even if it means giving up her voice and facing great challenges. To pursue her dream, she makes a deal with a sea witch, exchanging her voice for legs so she can live among humans. As she learns to live on land, she confronts difficult choices that force her to consider the consequences of her actions and the balance between what she wants and the prince’s happiness. Pinkney’s illustrations vividly capture both the underwater and human worlds, highlighting the emotions and struggles of the characters. C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Jerry Pinkney’s The Little Mermaid is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging retelling of the classic fairy tale. The illustrations are one of the book’s strongest features, bringing both the underwater world and the human world to life with vibrant colors, intricate details, and expressive imagery. These visuals help convey the mermaid’s feelings like her curiosity, wonder, and the struggles she faces on land and in the water by allowing readers to connect deeply with her journey. The story stays true to the original tale while emphasizing themes of courage, self-discovery, and the difficult choices involved in pursuing one’s hopes and dreams. The mermaid’s longing for love and a life beyond her own world resonates with anyone who has faced challenges or sought to grow beyond their comfort zone. The story also raises important questions about identity, personal agency, and the sacrifices necessary to follow one’s heart. While some readers may wish for a more modern or expanded adaptation, Pinkney’s focus on the protagonist’s emotional and moral journey ensures that the narrative is both compelling and thought-provoking. D. REVIEW EXCERPTS KIRKUS REVIEWS: "The replacement of the original love story with a friendship story is a warm and welcome touch for children, and Melody's agency throughout makes her an admirable heroine...Pinkney's lush watercolor scenes draw readers in with rich details and vibrant hues...Another modern classic from one of our finest illustrators." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW: "...Affirms girls' voices and power while offering dazzling undersea magic." BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW: "Pinkney has created a virtuosic alternative that celebrates the acceptance of differences and adds transformative girl-power to Andersen's complex and disturbing original." E. CONNECTIONS The mermaid’s curiosity and desire to explore new worlds can remind readers of times they have wanted to step outside their comfort zone or try something unfamiliar. Her longing to belong and be accepted may resonate with anyone who has ever felt different or struggled to find their place in the world. The sacrifices she makes for love highlight the difficult choices people sometimes face when putting someone else’s needs before their own. Her bravery and determination also reflect the courage it takes to pursue dreams or take risks despite uncertainty.