The Mermaid in the Bathtub

by Nurit Zarchi, Rutu Modan (Illustrator), Tal Goldfajn (Translator)

The Mermaid in the Bathtub is a charming, gorgeously retro retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story “The Little Mermaid,” by beloved Israeli author and illustrator duo Nurit Zarchi and Rutu Modan.

One day, a resolutely ordinary young man named Mr. Whatwilltheysay returns home to find Grain-of-Sand, a mermaid, waiting for him in his favorite armchair. Despite his objections, the two embark on a series of very watery adventures as he tries to get rid of her. But ultimately the thought of being seen with half a fish is simply too much for Mr. Whatwilltheysay to bear—what would people say? So broken-hearted Grain-of-Sand returns to the sea in his bathtub, leaving Mr. Whatwilltheysay to resume his pedestrian existence. Mr. Whatwilltheysay soon finds that his beloved landlubber life, however, lacks the splash and shimmer (and bathtub) of his good times with Grain-of-Sand—and acting against all his instincts, he sets off to sea to find her. 

Genres: Picture Books, Mermaids, Fiction, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Nurit Zarchi is an Israeli poet and author who has received every major Israeli award for children's literature.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in Hebrew, this is a slightly strange and bizarre retelling of "The Little Mermaid". My kids loved the mermaid's hairy armpits...

[Aolund · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the art and felt hopeful for an interesting story as I started in on this book, but ultimately it was just so-so. When Mr. Whatwilltheysay meets Grain-of-Sand the mermaid in his apartment, he's dismissive of her until she's gone, and then he wants her back. He eventually joins her in the sea, but I was disappointed that he was simply accepted as "my love" by Grain-of-Sand without so much as having to apologize for being consistently unpleasant through the beginning of the book. That being said, this would be an interesting one to read with kids and discuss how being afraid of what other people will think of us and our choices is no way to live a life. It's not a message explicitly contained within this book, but could be drawn out of it.

Themes: Self-Acceptance, Be Yourself, Mermaids
Age range: Preschool through early elementary

[Shannon Green-Kingery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have quickly become a fan of the artwork of Israeli author/illustrator Rutu Modan. My first encounter with her work was with her children's picture book, "Maya Makes a Mess". I was immediately hooked by its retro style and wry sense of humor. I quickly began seeking her work out through interlibrary loan and when I could not find a copy of "The Mermaid in the Bathtub", I broke down and ordered it. As soon arrived, I could not wait to sit down and devour it! Author Nurit Zarchi has retold the Danish folktale of the Little Mermaid in a highly amusing way and Modan's drawings are the perfect accompaniment to her words. What a fortuitous collaboration! Loved it!

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mermaid in the Bathtub is a unique retelling of the story of The Little Mermaid. The pictures are bubbly and bright. I think this book is geared more towards adults who read bedtime stories with their kids than their children just reading it themselves only because I think there is some great conversational fodder in the storyline.

I enjoyed the perspective of the story being very different from, let’s say, the Disney perspective. This book is translated from Hebrew to English.

Thanks to Restless Books for the opportunity to read this international book in lieu of my honest review.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huh. Cute in a quirky way. Originally from Israel, so some of that could be cultural or lost in translation, but I'm willing to bet it's quirky in Hebrew also. This strikes me as the type of picture book adults like more than kids.

A mermaid shows up in a guy's apartment. She floods the place and he asks her to leave. Eventually, she does. He realizes he misses her and goes looking for her.

I'm a fan of Rutu Modan's artwork from her graphic novels. I'll have to see what other picture books of hers are available in English.

[Ella Mastroianni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Few things. 1: I really resonate with Mr. Whatwilltheysay. 2: Love that this book portrays a mermaid with armpit hair! Didn’t know that was something I wanted. 3: Also love the description of the yellow pancake moon. 4: Absurd little book with the message that you can love whoever you want to love, even if they’re a fish (???) 5: What on earth was that fish with legs in the house?

[Betsey Stahler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and great cover but the story was just so-so for me. Wasn't much to it. And it irritated me that it was all about what everyone thought... Though I guess he overcame that...

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Yapha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations. The story itself seemed a little more geared to adults.