Is It a Mermaid?

Bel and Benji are at the beach in the Philippines when they see a dugong. Benji knows what it is, but the dugong insists that she is a mermaid, trying to persuade them by showing them her ‘mermaid’s tail’ and singing a ‘mermaid’s song’. Undaunted Benji points out all her dugong features, until she cries, and Benji realises he’s hurt her feelings. Luckily, “mermaids are very forgiving,” and they all play together for the rest of the day. Chosen identity, respect for others’ choices, kindness and friendship are explored in this quirky, gentle story which ends with a flash of magic.