Lilypad to host Mermaid Day Sept. 24 in Rehoboth

The Lilypad Children's Boutique is declaring Saturday, Sept. 24, Mermaid Day in celebration of the launch of “The Mermaid in Rehoboth Bay,” a new children's picture book published by Cat & Mouse Press. From 1 to 3 p.m. that day, children will be able to make a mermaid crown, decorate a paper mermaid, and have their faces decorated. Every half-hour during the event, the author will read the book aloud.

Then, at 3 p.m., there will be a mermaid parade outside the store, which is located at 149 Rehoboth Ave. Children are invited to come in costume. All materials for the activities will be supplied. The cost is $5 per child, free with the purchase of “The Mermaid in Rehoboth Bay.” The author and illustrator will be on hand to sign and inscribe books. To reserve a spot for a child, call Lilypad at 302-227-4464.

During the event, children will be able to go to different stations for the activities. Participants will be able to make take-home mermaid crowns (plastic headbands that have seashells already attached) by decorating them with glitter glue, feathers, ribbons, metallic pipe cleaners, and gems. The book's illustrator, Marcella Harte, has created a mermaid outline for children to complete by drawing a face, coloring in details, gluing yarn for hair, and adding sequins and other decorations.

The book's author, Nancy Sakaduski, will provide a lively reading of the book every half-hour during the event and answer questions about the collaboration that culminated in the book's publication. Art-quality prints of some of the illustrations in the book will be available for purchase, and both author and illustrator will be available to answer questions and sign books.

Children are encouraged to come in costume (as mermaids or other sea creatures). At 3 p.m., participants wearing their new mermaid crowns will parade through the courtyard in front of the store, weather permitting.

The Mermaid in Rehoboth Bay is getting rave reviews from parents and librarians as well as children. The book's enchanting illustrations depict two parallel story lines - one that follows a girl who lives near the sea but is afraid of the water, and one that follows a child-like mermaid who finds herself far from home. The book celebrates the beauty of the sea and tidal areas and depicts two strong female characters who are able to confront their fears and achieve their goals on their own.

In the book, a storm has hit coastal Delaware and washed a young mermaid named Nibi across land and into Rehoboth Bay, separating her from her family, friends, and ocean home. Terra, a girl who lives nearby, is afraid of the water, so she misses out on swimming with her friends and wading in the bay to collect shells. The two discover each other, become friends, and find a way to solve their problems together. 

“The Mermaid in Rehoboth Bay” is available only through stores and the publisher's website, www.catandmousepress.com. The 32-page hardcover book with dust jacket retails for $19.95.

Lilypad is a 2014 and 2016 Best of Delaware winner for Best Downstate Baby Boutique and Best Kids Clothing. The store carries clothing in sizes from newborn to 8 for girls and newborn to 6 for boys.