Maxine the Mapper Mermaid - Your Guide to Getting the Most Out of Letter Seven of The Mermaid Mail Series

The sixth letter in the Mermaid Mail series is all about adventure, courage, and discovering new places! In this letter, Maxine the mapper mermaid takes her friends on an exciting journey to the Glittering Grotto, an uncharted underwater wonderland filled with sparkling treasures and surprises!

Maxine loves exploring the unknown, but she also understands that new adventures can feel a little exciting and scary at the same time. With a map in hand and trusty friends by her side, she proves that the best treasures in life often lie just beyond our comfort zones!

Facing the Unknown with Courage

In her letter, Maxine talks about feeling unsure before exploring the Glittering Grotto. She reminds us that it’s normal to feel nervous about new experiences - whether it’s trying a new activity, meeting new people, or going to a new place.

Ask your child:

• “Have you ever felt nervous before trying something new?”
• “What helped you feel brave?”
• “What was something exciting that happened once you did it?”

Adventures aren’t just about places - they’re about growing, learning, and discovering new things about ourselves! This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage curiosity and courage, reminding your child that stepping into the unknown can lead to the most magical discoveries!

Representation in the Illustrations

If you look closely at the illustrations in this letter, you’ll notice that one mermaid is in a wheelchair, and another has Treacher Collins Syndrome and wears hearing devices.

This is a wonderful opportunity to talk to children about inclusion and celebrating differences, showing them that all mer-kids belong in the ocean, just like all people belong in the world!

Here’s how you can explain wheelchairs in an exciting and engaging way:

• “Some mermaids use their tails to swim, and others use magical seashell wheelchairs to glide through the water. Wheelchairs help people move in their own unique way, just like different fish swim differently in the ocean!”
• “Some people on land use wheelchairs to get around, just like bikes help us go faster or roller skates help us glide. It’s just another way to move!”

Treacher Collins Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the way a person’s face, ears, and jaw develop before they’re born. People with Treacher Collins may look a little different, and some use hearing devices to help them hear better.

You can explain it to children in a way that encourages kindness and understanding:

• “Some people and some mermaids are born with differences that make their faces look unique. This mermaid has something called Treacher Collins syndrome which makes her face look different in some ways. She also is a kind, creative and brave mermaid, I would love to meet her!"
• “Hearing devices help some people listen to their friends, music, and ocean waves, just like glasses help some people see better!”

Encouraging these conversations helps children grow up embracing diversity, understanding that everyone has their own way of moving, listening, and exploring the world!

Bringing the Adventure to Life!

Maxine’s letter includes a map, where your child gets to design their own underwater world!

Try these fun ideas to spark their creativity:

• Add Your Own Underwater Treasures – What magical things might be hidden in the ocean? A pirate’s treasure chest? A mysterious glowing cave? Maybe a secret mermaid hideout?
• Colour It In! – Let your child bring their underwater world to life with their favourite colours, patterns, and details.
• Draw Your Own Map! – If your child loves this activity, encourage them to create a whole new world on the back!

This activity encourages imagination, creativity, and problem-solving, just like a real explorer!

Inside the Envelope: Sticker & Colouring-in Fun!

This letter comes with a shiny sticker of Dazzle the Dolphin, Maxine’s trusty adventure companion! Encourage your child to stick it somewhere special as a reminder that every new adventure brings something magical!

Also included is a colouring-in sheet, where your child can decorate their own underwater map. Maybe they’ll add new places, new treasures, or even a hidden message for fellow mer-adventurers!

Share Your Child’s Experience!

We love seeing the incredible worlds mer-kids create! If your child colours their map or draws a new adventure, we would love you share it with us along with any of your other feedback at:

📧 hello@happyenvelopeclub.com
📱 @happyenvelopeclub