To Catch a Mermaid

To Catch a Mermaid is a heartwarming and adventurous chapter book about Boom Broom, a boy whose family is struggling with grief after the loss of their mother. When Boom finds a baby mermaid, he hopes her wishes will solve their problems, but instead, his sister Mertyle falls under a merfolk curse. Boom, along with his best friend Winger, must bravely journey to return the merbaby to its mother and break the curse. This story beautifully blends fantasy with realistic themes of loss, family bonds, responsibility, and courage, making it suitable for early to late elementary readers.

Boom Broom doesn't think his life could get any worse. Ever since his mother was swept away by a twister, his family has gone crazy. They refuse to leave the house and Boom and his sister Mertyle are looked after by Halvor, the Viking descendant who rents the room over their garage. When Boom finds a baby mermaid who seems to grant unlimited wishes, he thinks his luck has turned around. That is, until his sister is hit by the curse of the merfolk. Now Boom and his best friend Winger must find a way to return the merbaby to its mother and save Mertyle before it is too late.