Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books)

Robert D. San Souci

Cover of Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books)

Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Robert D. San Souci

Illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Reading Level 2 7ME Ages 5-8 Heads Up

The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

The salty breeze tickles your nose and the waves whisper secrets as Sukey's tears splash into the sea. Beneath the shimmering surface, a kind mermaid with sparkling eyes invites her to a magical world where pain and time disappear. But even in this underwater paradise, Sukey's heart yearns for home.

Themes

MermaidsFairy Tales & FolkloreFamilyEmotional ResilienceAfrican-American Culture

Quick Assessment

This beautifully illustrated folktale inspired by African-American traditions tells the story of Sukey, a young girl burdened by hardship and a difficult home life. When a gentle mermaid rescues her to an underwater sanctuary, Sukey must decide between escape and facing her reality. Suitable for early readers ages 5-8, it explores themes of family struggle, hope, and resilience in a sensitive manner.

For Parents

Content Intensity

7ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Clear

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Emotional: Fear & Anxiety Emotional: Loneliness Emotional: Family Change Social: Substance Use
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

32 pages
ISBN
9780689807183
Pages
32
Publisher
Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Published
May 1, 1996
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

MermaidsFairy Tales & FolkloreSingle TitleUnited StatesPeople & PlacesAfrican-AmericanFolkloreBlack AmericanEthnicAfrican AmericanPicturebooksAfro-AmericansAfrican AmericansStorytellersStepfathersTreasure TrovesSick ChildrenFriendshipAvariceBetrayalGoldLove

Places

United States