Nen and the Lonely Fisherman

Product Information

Nen’s father has warned him not to go to the land where the humans are destroying his ocean, but Nen goes anyway. In his frustration Pelagios becomes angry and causes a raging storm which tips Ernest from his boat. Nen seeks him in the deep dark depths, is all lost? Will Nen be able to find the fisherman in time? And if so, will they be able to overcome adversity and have the friendship they long for?

What are some of the challenges associated with writing about a queer love story for a younger audience? How did you navigate these challenges? There are two very special illustrations in the book. One is of Nen and Ernest staring lovingly into each other’s eyes after a terrible storm. We felt this special moment really deserved a close-up of their faces to capture the love between them.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. I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to share this thought-provoking and magical book with a number of classes across a range of primary year groups recently. It is remarkably versatile and offers options to engage and link to many curriculum areas, as well as provide the opening for rich discussions on a range of topics. This picture book paints a beautiful story about love, acceptance and hope. Lyrical language and vivid imagery reflect subtle messages about the state of the world’s oceans and the human impact on the environment, creating links to the science and geography curriculums. An important book for LGBTQIA+ representation, the story also lends itself to discussions around relationships and family. Links and themes:

In the forbidden world above, a kind fisherman wonders if something more is waiting for him beyond the horizon. Firstly, and most importantly, joy and wonder and that cosiness when you cuddle up with an adult and share a book is magic. I hope children will love seeing Nen and Ernest’s relationship grow and develop. That it might make some subtle suggestions about how we can look after our oceans and each other. The best thing is when children create artwork and their own stories inspired by your book. I’m looking forward to reading children’s own modern fairy tales and seeing all their mermaid artwork!Ian Eagleton’s lyrical LGBTQ+ tale is gently inspired by The Little Mermaid, and creates a modern piece of inclusive folk lore that belongs in every school. Beautifully published by Owlet Press.

Floss and I popped along to a dreamy bookshop – Kenilworth Bookshop– to buy our copy of Nen and the Lonely Fisherman; it’s so lovely to be returning to bookshops and I’d highly recommend having a gander in your local one when you get the chance! Places in the world where names originated from – get a world map and plot where the names originate from. This is a nice story about lots of things – friendship, love, hope and caring for our world and the people in it. It reminds me of a fairytale but with some modern ideas mixed in. Winner of the inaugural Polari Children’s and YA Prize 2022, praised for being “important and radical”. When Julian spots three women in lavish mermaid costumes, it fires his imagination and all he can think about is becoming a mermaid himself – with a little help from his nana’s soft furnishings.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