Laura Strachan Announces a Mermaid Story Who Learns to Face Teasing With Courage

Children’s author and retired educator Laura Strachan has released her debut picture book, Pickles the Mermaid, a story that follows a young mermaid who learns how to face unkind words, understand her feelings and remember she is valued by those around her.

Laura Strachan’s first children’s book, Pickles the Mermaid, was published in 2024 by Miriam Laundry Publishing Company and is now available in hardcover, paperback and e-book editions. Written for young readers, the story centers on Pickles, a cheerful mermaid who loves laughter and eating pickles but becomes the target of teasing because of her name and differences. At a time when conversations about kindness and emotional awareness are becoming more common in classrooms and homes, the book arrives as a quiet, character-driven story focused on empathy rather than spectacle.

The book grew out of Strachan’s background in education and her experiences working with children over nearly two decades. During her teaching career, she often saw how easily small comments could linger with students long after the moment had passed. Pickles the Mermaid reflects those observations through a simple underwater journey, allowing young readers to recognize familiar feelings in a setting that feels safe and imaginative. Rather than rushing to a quick solution, the story unfolds at a measured pace, giving space to fear, comfort and reassurance.

Within the story, Pickles leaves her familiar surroundings after repeated encounters with a mean-spirited mermaid and meets a series of sea creatures who listen and respond to her with patience. An old octopus, glow worms, starfish and even a misunderstood shark each play a role in helping Pickles understand what hurts her and why. A singing conch shell becomes a symbol of memory and connection, reminding her of the warmth she feels when she is with friends who accept her. The book avoids heavy moralizing, instead letting actions and conversations carry its meaning.

Illustrations by Michelle Simpson support the narrative with soft colors and expressive underwater scenes that match the emotional tone of the text. The art emphasizes movement, light and facial expression, helping young readers follow Pickles’ feelings even before they can fully articulate them. Educators and caregivers may find the book useful as a starting point for discussions about teasing, friendship and self-confidence, especially for children who are learning how to name their emotions.

About Laura Strachan
Strachan lives in Pennsboro, West Virginia, after relocating from Cincinnati, Ohio, and draws inspiration from time spent outdoors, travel and family life. A retired educator with a master’s degree in education from the University of Cincinnati, she wrote Pickles the Mermaid after encouragement from family members and young relatives who connected with the character. The book marks her first step into children’s publishing, combining her teaching experience with storytelling shaped by everyday moments. More information about the author and the book is available at www.laurastrachanbooks.com.

Company :-Paper Wrights, LLC

User :- Cindy Miller

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Url :- http://www.laurastrachanbooks.com/