Mermaid Tales book cover

The Mermaid Tales Series in Order

The Mermaid Tales series can be read in any order, though starting with Trouble at Trident Academy provides the clearest introduction to the setting and recurring characters. Young mermaids Shelly, Echo, and Kiki attend Trident Academy, where they navigate school adventures, friendship challenges, and magical underwater mysteries in the vast ocean world of Merland.

🟡 Mostly Standalone · Start Anywhere

How to Read the Mermaid Tales series

🟡 Mostly Standalone · Start Anywhere

Mostly standalone stories with recurring characters in a shared setting.

The Mermaid Tales series does not need to be read in order. Each book tells a complete story with its own resolution centered on a new school or ocean adventure. Continuity is limited to recurring characters and the shared Trident Academy setting. Reading out of order does not cause confusion, as each volume clearly reintroduces the mermaid friends and their underwater world while delivering an independent, enjoyable tale.

About the Mermaid Tales series

Series Premise

The Mermaid Tales series follows a group of young mermaid friends as they attend an underwater school and face everyday challenges with a touch of magic. Each book centers on school events, friendship issues, or light mysteries involving sea creatures and ocean magic.

Main Characters

Shelly, Echo, and Kiki are the core trio of young mermaid friends who appear in every book. Shelly is curious and kind, Echo is artistic and sensitive, and Kiki is shy but brave, with each taking a leading role in different stories.

Setting

The series is set in the sparkling underwater world of Merland, primarily at Trident Academy — a coral-based school with classrooms, dorms, and playgrounds — along with nearby ocean reefs, caves, and merfolk towns.

Tone & Themes

The tone is gentle, fun, and uplifting with light magical elements. Central themes include friendship and teamwork, facing fears, embracing differences, and the importance of kindness in a magical ocean school environment.

Is This Series Worth Reading?

This series appeals to children ages 6–9 who enjoy early chapter books with mermaids, school stories, and gentle fantasy. It suits young readers transitioning from picture books who want short, illustrated adventures with positive messages.

Content Warnings and Heat Level

Completely wholesome with no violence, scares, or mature content; ideal for early elementary readers.

The Mermaid Tales series offers charming underwater school stories perfect for young readers discovering chapter books. Its mostly standalone structure with familiar friends makes it easy to enjoy any title. The mix of friendship, magic, and everyday adventures creates positive and engaging reads.

FAQ

How many books are in the Mermaid Tales series?

22 books

When will the next book in the series be released?

No new book is currently scheduled. The latest book, A Titanic Friendship, was published in June 2022.

When was the most recent book released?

A Titanic Friendship was published in June 2022.

What was the first book in the series?

The first book in the series is Trouble at Trident Academy, published in May 2012.

What genre is the Mermaid Tales series?

The series primarily falls into the Fantasy genre.

Do you need to read the Mermaid Tales series in order?

No, the books do not need to be read in order. Each story stands on its own, but recurring characters and the shared setting connect the series.

What is the Mermaid Tales series about?

The Mermaid Tales series follows a group of young mermaid friends as they attend an underwater school and face everyday challenges with a touch of magic. Each book centers on school events, friendship issues, or light mysteries involving sea creatures and ocean magic.

Is the Mermaid Tales series finished?

The series does not currently have a new book scheduled.