Merman Nen loves to explore the mysterious depths of the ocean, but his heart feels empty. Each night, he sings to the sea and his words of hope are carried across the waves by the twinkling stars.

Whether you explore the names in your family or you are a teacher and explore the names in your class you can look at lots of things that may spark discussion: I have even talked the head into a little revamp of the library so that we can display them properly! What message would this be giving to our children? Personally, I would be horrified to find an advisory label attached to this book. My next project is a Shakespeare-themed picture book called Violet’s Tempest. It’s a story about a girl who has lost her giggle and sense of happiness. She is given the part of Ariel in a school play and wonders how she will ever play such a mischievous character when she feels so low and nervous.I LOVED mermaids and sunken cities as a child – there’s something magical and mysterious about them. We went swimming every weekend and I would always pretend to have a mermaid tail as I swam around! Today we welcome Clare Campbell, the headteacher at St Charles RC Primary School, to talk about how she has been using NEN AND THE LONELY FISHERMAN in her school! There is a Spelling Seed session for every week of the associated Writing Root. Coverage: Word List Words Nen’s father Pelagios warns his son to stay away from the world above, as humans are damaging the oceans. However, Nen knows that there is something special about Ernest, who is kind, gentle and considerate, and the pair continue to meet each night, to talk, laugh and dream. Angry that his son refuses to heed his warnings, Pelagios unleashes a terrible storm, which places Ernest in grave danger.

We’ve also had the most moving, beautiful message from adults saying how it has allowed the children in their life to open up and talk about different types of relationship. We definitely feel a deep sense of responsibility towards our readers and are so thrilled the book has been so warmly received. This isn’t just a book with one story. There’s historical stories and a wish for a different story, a future of hope, all rolled into one. In James’ blog post he talks about the suggestion from some that Nen and the Lonely Fisherman should come with an advisory label for LGBTQ+ content. It’s another Bookwagon day in our house. The kids were so excited to get their latest books in the post. I’d also recommend getting in touch with A New Chapter, which is a new online bookshop. They are able to curate sets of books for you relating to the themes you are exploring with your class and are very reasonable.I hope you find so much joy, wonder and magic in our little book. That it helps you to imagine and dream and know that everyone deserves a happily ever after. James Mayhew, the illustrator, felt that we would have no concerns or worries about showing a prince and a mermaid holding hands. Why should we shy away from depicting a loving relationship full of hope and wonder?