Mermaid Academy #3: Maya and Rainbow
#3 in Mermaid Academy Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Maya is one of the newest students at Mermaid Academy, a secret under-sea school where every mer-child is paired with an ocean creature partner. Her dolphin companion Rainbow shares Maya’s boundless curiosity about the world beyond the reef. When Maya’s explorer father’s magical compass is stolen, the trade winds suddenly stop blowing and a tourist ferry begins drifting toward the hidden mermaid realm. With lessons cancelled and panic rising, Maya and Rainbow set out to recover the compass, restore the winds, and keep the mermaids’ existence a secret from humans.
Character compass
Maya
Rainbow
Discussion points
Why did the thief believe taking the compass was the only solution?
How did Maya and Rainbow divide tasks when solving the mystery?
What would happen if humans discovered Mermaid Academy?
How does wind affect life both above and below the sea?
Tip: Role play these questions
Act out ocean scenes to build empathy for sea creatures.
Create a simple paper compass craft to reinforce story concepts.
Compare Maya’s choices with real-life situations about telling the truth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Take responsibility for your actions
Explanation: The compass thief ultimately admits wrongdoing and makes amends.
Real-World Application: Children learn to own mistakes and work toward solutions.
Example Lesson: Value teamwork
Explanation: Maya, Rainbow, and classmates pool skills to restore the wind.
Real-World Application: Kids see how collaboration helps finish group projects or chores.
Example Lesson: Protect the environment
Explanation: The mer-community depends on healthy reefs and steady winds.
Real-World Application: Readers may feel motivated to reduce waste or learn about ocean conservation.