Tallulah the Mermaid and the Great Lakes Pledge
What’s inside...
Tallulah is a young mermaid who calls the Great Lakes her home. From sea glass to Petoskey stones, she loves the treasures each lake offers—but she also sees the trash and threats that endanger these waters. Determined to protect her underwater world, Tallulah visits each lake, learns what makes it unique, and gathers animal friends and lakeshore children to sign a promise: the Great Lakes Pledge. This picture book blends gentle fantasy with real-world facts, encouraging children to become stewards of the environment.
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tallulah
Discussion points
Why do you think Tallulah loves each lake?
How did the animals help Tallulah solve her problem?
Which part of the pledge can we start today?
How would you feel if your favorite place became polluted?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a mini-pledge for your household or classroom.
Visit a local body of water and practice a clean-up activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Protect your environment
Explanation: Tallulah organizes a clean-up pledge to save the lakes.
Real-World Application: Kids can recycle, reduce plastic, and join local clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Teamwork matters
Explanation: Animals and children cooperate for a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work with classmates on group projects.
Example Lesson: Small actions add up
Explanation: Each signature on the pledge represents real change.
Real-World Application: Turning off lights or picking up litter makes a difference.
Example Lesson: Celebrate natural wonders
Explanation: The book showcases the beauty of each lake.
Real-World Application: Families can explore and respect local parks or waterways.