Thank you to Vivian Kirkfield for hosting the #50PreciousWords event again! It’s not only a contest, but also such a great opportunity to meet #kidlit friends around the world. And — perhaps best of all — it’s an invitation to challenge ourselves to let go of all distraction as we distill our craft down to its most meaningful essence.
My entry for this year is called “My Mermaid,” and it tells a story of overcoming fear through imagination. As I’m helping my kids learn to swim, I have been thinking a lot about my own journey from anxiety to peace in the water. One of the most wonderful ways I have been able to overcome fears — and to help my kids with theirs — is through wonder itself: play, imagination, and appreciation for the beauty of water. In this story, a child’s doll helps her to take that big, brave step to swimming:
My Mermaid, by Carrie Schneider
My mermaid is sad,
The pool, crying.
Waters whispering,
Worrying, sighing.
Fingers stiff,
Gripping tiles,
My tears hiding
Mama’s smiles.
But what I can’t try,
Mermaid can do!
Splashing
Dipping
Bright
Blue
Mermaid is swimming,
I’m invited
Blowing bubbles,
I’m delighted
“How about you?”
I can, too!
Mermaids are glad!
Carrie Schneider Author/Illustrator 