We Can Be Mermaids

An uplifting and empowering story about the joy of swimming and following our dreams.

Silver has loved swimming since her very first lesson and dreams of one day becoming... a MERMAID!
There's just one problem: her dad can't swim.

They bake mermaid-tail cupcakes together, build mermaid caves and read underwater stories, but he can't join her in the pool like the other dads.

Silver worries she'll have to give up on her dream and quit swimming - how can she possibly leave her dad behind when she's a mermaid?!

But one day, Dad has a surprise for her, one that will help Silver to see that she should never give up on her mermaid dreams...

Swimming should be for everyone, but it's reported that 95% of Black adults and 80% of Black children in England do not swim.

This important and joyful story demonstrates the freedom and excitement of swimming, empowering little ones to pursue their passions without fear.

Written by swimming (and mermaid!) enthusiast Lanisha Butterfield with stunning artwork by Raissa Figueroa.

Illustrated by: Raissa Figueroa