The Mermaid: How Sirena Learned to Swim

Sirena spends part of every summer in a rambling lakehouse filled with cousins, aunts and uncles, and her beloved Poppo (her grandfather). But despite how inviting the water looks, Sirena hates swimming. Until Poppo's gentle words and example tempt Sirena into the water to discover the joys of swimming--until she's a veritable mermaid. As their lakeside vacation ends, Sirena discovers that her present is tied more closely to Poppo's past that she imagined. This is a tender story about the power of intergenerational relationships and overcoming your fears.

Author: Patty Brozo
Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers
Published: 05/05/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 8.59h x 11.11w x 0.64d
ISBN: 9781668955246
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/23/2026

About the Author
Brozo, Patty: - Patty Brozo has been writing stories for and about children since taking creative writing classes in college. She is the author of Miss Pinkeltink's Purse and The Buddy Bench.Bowler, Annie: -

Annie Bowler is an illustrator based in Washington DC. Her illustrated books, Including Walking Towards Peace (Krull, Flyaway, 2021) and A Very Big Problem (Jill-Levine and Sasso, Flyaway, 2020) are Junior Library Guild selections. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, among other publications. Annie received an MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts where she was awarded the Paula Rhodes Award for Excellence upon graduating in 2016.