The Mermaid with No Tail

A mermaid without a tail wants to compete in the Mermaid Games. With determination, support, and lots of practice, she carries the day.

Dive into this illustrated picture book, where a mermaid with no tail decides she wants to compete in the Mermaid Games. The other mermaids make fun of her for being different. But her adoptive turtle parents are supportive and encouraging, and her shark coach Phelpsy teaches her to swim using her arms. The mermaid trains hard, maintains a good attitude, and eventually wins the games.

The Mermaid with No Tail is inspired by the life of Jessica Long. Jessica was adopted from a Russian orphanage when she was a baby and grew up in Baltimore. She was born with fibular hemimelia. Her legs were amputated below the knee when she was 18 months old so she could be fitted with prosthetic legs and learn how to walk. A real-world Paralympic swimmer, Jessica is one of the most decorated American athletes of all time.

Jessica Long was born with congenital defects in her lower legs requiring double amputation and was placed for adoption at 13 months old. Supported by the love of her family, she has become a world champion swimmer with 29 Paralympic medals through Tokyo 2020. As one of America’s most decorated and recognizable athletic champions, Jessica focuses on succeeding in the water and inspiring others outside the pool. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband, Lucas, and their dog, Goose. For more, visit jessicalong.com.

Airin O’Callaghan is an illustrator and artist. She received a bachelor’s degree and MFA in fine art in Amsterdam, and an MFA in illustration in San Francisco. Airin lives in Berkeley, California. Learn more at airinocallaghan.com.