Orpheline: a Mermaid Lost and Found Story

"Orpheline" tells the enchanting story of Cora, a young girl who finds a baby mermaid after a storm. She brings the mermaid home, caring for her and forming a deep bond, experiencing the wonder of a fantasy come true. However, a mysterious whisper from the mermaid's shell necklace reveals that the baby, named Orpheline, is deeply missed by her own family in the sea. Cora faces the difficult, yet ultimately selfless, decision to return Orpheline to her true home. This atmospheric and tender picture book is perfect for mermaid enthusiasts and offers a gentle exploration of empathy, belonging, and the bittersweet nature of letting go of something cherished. It's ideal for sparking conversations about what it means to do the right thing, even when it's hard.

Discovering a baby mermaid on the beach is a dream come true--until Cora realizes that her wonderful find is someone else's loss. A beautifully illustrated story for mermaid fans and tenderhearted readers everywhere. "I'm Cora," I say. "Don't be afraid. You aren't lost anymore. You're found." Combing the beach after a lashing storm, Cora is busy filling her bag with sea glass when she spies an amazing sight by the water's edge: a tiny mermaid nestled in an abalone shell. Mama's face turns pale when she sees her, but soon the half baby, half fish is squirming in the bathtub, giggling on wheelbarrow rides, exploring tide pools, and playing shadow games with Cora. All is blissful until Cora hears some strange whispering coming from the baby's shell necklace, a voice that calls "Orpheline, Orpheline . . ." Protest as she will, Cora knows that this precious baby belongs to the sea--and to someone who misses her dearly. Poignant, atmospheric, and shimmering with mermaid magic, Orpheline will win the heart of every child who's longed to have their fantasies come true, if only for a little while.