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How Not to Save a Mermaid: A Unicorn Story: A Funny Unicorn Picture Book for Girls and Boys Ages 4–6–8
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
47 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
Michal Witkowski
15 books1 followerMichal Witkowski is a Polish author and illustrator with a deep passion for telling meaningful stories that stay in young readers’ hearts long after the final page. Inspired by timeless classics like The Little Prince, Michal writes emotionally rich adventures for children — stories that explore bravery, friendship, and the power of kindness.
From an early age, Michal showed a strong love for drawing, winning numerous school art competitions. Today, he brings his stories to life not only through words but also through his own heartfelt illustrations.
Born in Poland and fluent in both Polish and German, Michal studied in Germany from 2008 to 2014, an experience that helped shape his creative worldview. Outside of writing, he’s also lived life in the fast lane — literally — competing in Supersport and Superbike motorcycle races in Poland and Germany.
Whether on the track or on the page, Michal is driven by passion, imagination, and the belief that every child deserves stories that help them believe in themselves.
From an early age, Michal showed a strong love for drawing, winning numerous school art competitions. Today, he brings his stories to life not only through words but also through his own heartfelt illustrations.
Born in Poland and fluent in both Polish and German, Michal studied in Germany from 2008 to 2014, an experience that helped shape his creative worldview. Outside of writing, he’s also lived life in the fast lane — literally — competing in Supersport and Superbike motorcycle races in Poland and Germany.
Whether on the track or on the page, Michal is driven by passion, imagination, and the belief that every child deserves stories that help them believe in themselves.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 27, 2025
🌊 A Splashy, Fun, and Heartfelt Tale – 4 Stars
How Not to Save a Mermaid is a witty and whimsical story that blends magical charm with relatable teen drama. The book dives into the classic “human meets mermaid” premise but flips it on its head with a clever sense of humor, awkward mishaps and an engaging modern voice. The protagonist’s journey—full of clumsy heroics, mistaken assumptions and reluctant bravery—makes for an entertaining ride that younger YA readers will especially enjoy.
The pacing is lively, and the dialogue sparkles with banter that keeps the story light, even when deeper themes of friendship, belonging and identity ripple beneath the surface. However, one troubling element is that—even if meant in fun—scenes involving breaking the mermaid’s body parts cross into a form of animal-cruelty, which should never be normalized or encouraged, especially in books meant to teach children about helping others. A more sensitive approach here would have kept the playful tone intact without sending a problematic message.
Despite that concern, the book still offers plenty of charm. It celebrates courage, kindness and the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. If you’re looking for a magical adventure with quirky twists, 'How Not to Save a Mermaid' is a tale worth diving into—just with a reminder that helping others should always come with empathy, never harm.
How Not to Save a Mermaid is a witty and whimsical story that blends magical charm with relatable teen drama. The book dives into the classic “human meets mermaid” premise but flips it on its head with a clever sense of humor, awkward mishaps and an engaging modern voice. The protagonist’s journey—full of clumsy heroics, mistaken assumptions and reluctant bravery—makes for an entertaining ride that younger YA readers will especially enjoy.
The pacing is lively, and the dialogue sparkles with banter that keeps the story light, even when deeper themes of friendship, belonging and identity ripple beneath the surface. However, one troubling element is that—even if meant in fun—scenes involving breaking the mermaid’s body parts cross into a form of animal-cruelty, which should never be normalized or encouraged, especially in books meant to teach children about helping others. A more sensitive approach here would have kept the playful tone intact without sending a problematic message.
Despite that concern, the book still offers plenty of charm. It celebrates courage, kindness and the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. If you’re looking for a magical adventure with quirky twists, 'How Not to Save a Mermaid' is a tale worth diving into—just with a reminder that helping others should always come with empathy, never harm.
August 24, 2025
Adorable from start to finish. I loved the story and images sure to hold your children's interest. Learn the lessons that sometimes we have the wrong ideas, but keep trying.
I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading. Thank you @michalwitkowski for allowing to read this book and review.
I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading. Thank you @michalwitkowski for allowing to read this book and review.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews