The Little Mermaid Audiobook Story

Yes, listen to The Little Mermaid read aloud on our Audio App, featuring professional narration and hundreds of other audio stories.

Hans Christian Andersen wrote the original Little Mermaid story way back in 1837. This story was part of a collection of fairy tales for children which included The Emperor's New Clothes too.

This fairy tale is a beloved story by Hans Christian Andersen that tells the tale of a young mermaid princess who dreams of living in the world above the sea. After being forbidden from swimming to the surface by her father, King Triton, she makes a deal with an evil sea witch named Ursula who grants her legs and human form. After experiencing the different and new world on land the mermaid starts to miss a lot of things about her home and ultimately decides that she wants to return home.

This is a great example of a bedtime story. It’s nostalgic for parents and has a happy ending for kids. That’s if they make it to the end of the story before falling asleep!

When we first decided to create a bedtime story for kids, we knew we wanted it to be fun, engaging and high quality.

We wanted Sooper Books to bring children's publishing into the 21st century. We strongly believe that nighttime stories for kids need to fit seamlessly into modern family lives which is why our free stories are all online.

It began when we started writing stories for our own family. Then our friends and wider families asked for copies and we started to share Sooper Books with other children.

At Sooper Books we write, curate and narrate stories for kids so they can enjoy the best quality content, enchanting stories and magical adventures. With our stories we work towards promoting a positive attitude to reading and instill a love of books in children from an early age.

Our 5-10 minute online kids bedtime stories, fairy tales, funny rhymes and fables all come with award-winning audio.

From short stories for kids to multiple story episodes in our original series collections, our content is sure to make your little ones’ eyes sparkle with delight.

At Sooper Books, children can explore the magical world of fairies and witches, brave knights, talking animals and more. Our stories for kids feature an array of characters such as lovable princesses, funny frogs, gentle giants and wise wizards.

So whether you're specifically looking for a fairy tale or a rhyme, or maybe you just need some short bedtime stories for kids. Take the stress out of bedtime by reading one of our kids stories today!

This fairy tale has fascinated children for generations because it is filled with wonder, adventure, and self-discovery. The idea of a mermaid longing for life on land sparks imagination, while the choices she makes teach valuable lessons about curiosity, independence, and appreciating home. Whether in books, films, or bedtime stories, The Little Mermaid remains a beloved classic.

Unlike many traditional princess stories, this one is not just about love—it is about making big life choices. The little mermaid does not simply wait for a prince; she actively explores the world, takes risks, and learns what truly matters to her. It is a story of adventure, identity, and following your heart, rather than just a royal romance.

Our retelling stays true to the heart of the original story but adds modern twists and vibrant illustrations that make it fun, engaging, and perfect for bedtime. We focus on the magic of discovery, the humour in new experiences, and the warmth of homecoming, ensuring it is a joyful and uplifting read.

This story helps children explore emotions like curiosity, excitement, and longing. It also teaches:

• Making choices – The little mermaid learns that every decision has consequences.
• Appreciating what we have – She misses home and family after leaving.
• Being true to yourself – She chooses to embrace who she is rather than change for others.

Practical Tips for Parents:

• Ask thoughtful questions – What do you think the little mermaid missed most about home?
• Try a gratitude activity – List or draw things they love about home to encourage appreciation.
• Role-play decision-making – Act out different choices and discuss the outcome

The little mermaid is curious about the world beyond her own, which leads her to take risks and make life-changing choices. This is a great story to talk and teach children about:

• Asking questions and exploring new things in a safe way.
• Thinking before making big decisions – Is this choice really the best one?
• Balancing excitement with patience when experiencing new places and ideas.

Practical Tips for Parents:

• Encourage “What If” Thinking – Ask: What might happen if we try this?
• Curiosity Challenges – Try a new food or activity and talk about expectations vs. reality.
• Use a Decision-Making Chart – List choices and possible outcomes to teach logical thinking.

Get your child thinking with these open-ended questions:

• If you could visit anywhere—land, sea, or space—where would you go?
• Do you think the mermaid made the right choice? Why or why not?
• What is something special about your home that you would miss if you left?
• If you could have one magical sea creature as a best friend, who would it be?

Bring the story to life with these activities:

• Underwater treasure hunt – Hide small "human treasures" (toys, spoons, buttons) around the house and let children "dive" for them.
• Act it out – Let one child be the mermaid, another the prince, and someone else the funny sidekick (like the crab).
• Mermaid versus human challenge – Pretend to walk like a mermaid learning to use legs—who can be the silliest?

Absolutely. Get creative with these mermaid-inspired crafts:

• Make a mermaid tail – Use fabric or paper to design a tail fit for an underwater princess.
• Create an ocean in a jar – Fill a jar with blue water, glitter, and tiny sea-themed objects.
• Draw the little mermaid’s dream castle – Would it be under the sea or on land? Let your child design it.

Try these science experiments inspired by the story:

• Floating versus sinking – Test which objects float like a mermaid and which sink like the prince.
• Saltwater versus freshwater experiment – Fill two cups, one with saltwater and one with regular water. Drop an egg in each—what happens?
• How sound travels underwater – Place a bell or toy under water and listen to how sound changes.

At first, she is fascinated by life on land, but in the end, she misses her family and the world she knows best. This is a great way to talk with children about feeling homesick and why sometimes, where we belong is the best place to be.

If your child loved this story, they will also enjoy:

• Dink & Donk – A Sooper Books original about an alien girl and a moose who embrace their differences and become best friends.
• The Frog Prince – Another tale about a magical transformation.
• The Ogglebogs – A Sooper Books original series about self-acceptance and belonging.
• Rapunzel – A classic tale of curiosity, adventure, and finding your way home.