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Many children struggle with self-esteem, like Mariana The Mermaid. Through Mariana's journey to happiness, a child who is struggling to feel good about themselves will see that, over time, and with friends, good things can happen. 
The Mermaid Who Couldn’t is a story about Mariana – a little mermaid with very low self-esteem, who feels very alone and worthless, having been abandoned by her mother. She is afraid of everything, and spends her time shying away and feeling useless. She isn’t even brave enough to join in with the other friendly mermaids as they sing on a rock, as she feels her voice is so bad.
One day, a turtle named Muriel comes along, and listens to Mariana’s worries and fears, and then supports in her struggle to feel better about herself. Muriel introduces Mariana to her family and encourages her to look beyond her worries to the sky above and over time, little by little, Mariana begins to feel somewhat loved, and much better about herself. Eventually, she finds the courage to join the other mermaids in their song. But if she ever feels low, he knows where Muriel is – a true friend, who can help her see beyond her dark thoughts, and enjoy life.