The Mermaid with No Tail

by Jessica Long, Airin O'Callaghan (Illustrator)

Overview

Paralympic champion swimmer and gold medalist Jessica Long celebrates the importance of dreaming big and the power of being different in The Mermaid with No Tail. As a baby, Jessica was adopted from a Russian orphanage. Her legs were amputated below the knee when she was 18 months old. Despite this, Jessica has become a world-class swimmer and one of the most decorated athletes of all time.

Dive into this illustrated picture book based on Jessica’s story, 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781649630940
Publisher:	Sounds True, Incorporated
Publication date:	09/26/2023
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	44 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jessica Long is an American Paralympic swimmer. She has won 29 Paralympic Medals, making her one of the most decorated athletes of all time. Jessica is a speaker, author, advocate, and sports personality. Learn more at 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.

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 (as of 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.