Nen and the Lonely Fisherman

Product Information

Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton (author) and James Mayhew (illustrator) is a classic ‘little mermaid’ tale focussing on a beautiful and blossoming LGBTQ+ relationship. Nen is a merman in search of true love, he sends a song of hope across the sea where it is heard by Ernest. Ernest is a gentle and caring fisherman who hopes to find warmth in his heart, and when the two meat they form a special connection. However, Nen’s father Pelagios isn’t happy with this special friendship and creates a wild storm at sea to protect his son and his ocean home. Will Nen be able to save Ernest from his father’s dismay?

James Mayhew’s next project is a fabulous book called Once Upon a Tune, which features six stories from many lands, all of which have inspired great music. More information We’ve also had the most moving, beautiful message from adults saying how it has allowed the children in their life to open up and talk about different types of relationship. We definitely feel a deep sense of responsibility towards our readers and are so thrilled the book has been so warmly received. Thanks so much for your lovely message and for everything that you do with Book Wagon. Yourself and Bob are much cherished in our booky world and I personally really appreciate everything that you do.It's so important that little ones grow up and see their type of family set-up reflected in the books you share with them. Here's a list of our favourite children's books that show – and celebrate – diverse families.Perfect for babies all the way up to aged five. It’s a truly beautiful read, full of tenderness and emotion, a wonderful love story" @mrs_w_loves_reading The story is about a lonely merman called Nen. He loves exploring his world under the sea but he wants to find a special friend. Finally, while visiting the water’s surface he meets Ernest, the fisherman. They like each other instantly but Nen’s father isn’t happy about it. He blames human’s for destroying the seas. One lovely way to explore identity with this book would be through the origin of names. Nen is a name of Egyptian origin that means ancient waters. Nen’s father is Pelagios of Greek origin meaning from the sea and Ernest is of German origin meaning serious and warrior. Names chosen with meaning and purpose by the author.

Five weeks into our school year and this is a book I see read by pupils in the class every week in our reading area, with them pouring over the illustrations and loving turning the book round to dive deep beneath the waves to the ocean’s depths. Nen’s father Pelagios warns his son to stay away from the world above, as humans are damaging the oceans. However, Nen knows that there is something special about Ernest, who is kind, gentle and considerate, and the pair continue to meet each night, to talk, laugh and dream. Angry that his son refuses to heed his warnings, Pelagios unleashes a terrible storm, which places Ernest in grave danger.A modern adaptation of a classic ‘little mermaid’ tale, Nen and the Lonely Fisherman tells the story of a merman’s search for true love, sending a song of hope across the sea while a lonely, caring young fisherman named Ernest hopes to find warmth in his heart. As the two meet, they feel a special connection, much to the dismay of Nen’s father Pelagios who creates a wild sea storm to protect his son and the ocean. Can Nen save Ernest? This is a very difficult question as I’ve been a primary school teacher and haven’t worked in a school where there has been a proper school library run by a qualified and experienced school librarian. I’d say that school librarians are one of the most important people in a school – their job is different to a teacher and their skills and expertise help children find books that are perfect for them. Helps you understand yourself and others. It helps you to peek into other people’s lives and empathise with them. It helps you understand that, despite our differences, we have much in common.