Tilly the Treasured Mermaid: Your Guide to Getting the Most Out of Letter Nine of The Mermaid Mail Series

Letter nine in the Mermaid Mail series, featuring Tilly the Treasured Mermaid, dives into the joy of sharing, the importance of turn-taking, and celebrating individuality. With a dazzling story, inclusive illustrations, and thoughtful activities, this letter inspires children to embrace generosity, turn-taking and recognise the beauty of diversity.

Exploring the Theme: Turn-Taking vs. Forced Sharing

Tilly’s story begins with her discovering a magnificent ruby red gold necklace, a treasure she initially wants to keep for herself. However, when she decides to take turns with her mer-friends, she realises that sharing amplifies the joy of her treasure even though at the start it feels tricky.

After reading the letter this is a perfect opportunity to discuss turn-taking with your child and validate how it can feel tricky:

• “Why do you think Tilly felt happier when she took turns with her friends?”
• "Have you ever found it tricky to take turns like Tilly did? It can feel hard at first can't it"
• “How does waiting for your turn make things more fair and fun for everyone?”
• “What’s a time when you shared something or took turns, and how did it make you feel?”

Help your child understand that turn-taking respects everyone’s space and enjoyment.

Spotlight on Inclusion: Zipper Scars and Diverse Appearances

The illustrations in this letter feature mermaids with diverse appearances, helping children appreciate, develop understanding and celebrate differences:

• One mermaid has a zipper scar, symbolising a medical procedure or unique journey. This inclusion normalises scars and shows children that all bodies are beautiful. You may wish to discuss with your child the types of surgeries that could leave a scar like this (most commonly open heart surgery). e.g. "Some children may have something in their heart that needs fixing and special doctors perform an operation to fix their heart which can leave a scar just like the mermaids."
• Mermaids of different skin tones and hair types reflect the diversity of our world, encouraging children to appreciate the beauty in everyone’s uniqueness.

Use the illustrations to spark a conversation:

• “Did you notice the mermaid with the zipper scar? What do you think her story might be?”
• “What do you think about all the different mermaids? How does their diversity make the treasure cove even more magical?”

These discussions help children develop empathy, normalise physical differences, and celebrate diversity.

Activities to Foster Turn-Taking and Inclusion

1. Practice Turn-Taking

• Set up a simple activity, like a game or building blocks, and take turns with your child. Praise them for waiting patiently and showing generosity.
• Use Tilly’s poem to reinforce the lesson.

2. Celebrate Individuality Through Art

• Encourage your child to draw or describe what makes them unique, like a favourite feature or a special talent.

3. Gratitude for Shared Moments

• At the end of the day, ask your child to share a moment they enjoyed taking turns or sharing with others.

A Reminder from Tilly

Inside this letter, your child will find a treasure chest sticker with the words, “you’re a friend I treasure.” Encourage them to stick it somewhere special, like a notebook or toy box, as a reminder of the their friendship with mermaid Tilly.

Why This Letter Matters

Tilly’s story and the accompanying illustrations in the letter provide meaningful lessons that:

• Teach children about turn-taking and validate their feelings about this.
• Normalise scars and celebrate the beauty of diverse skin tones and hair types.
• Inspire generosity, empathy, and inclusion in everyday life.

Share Your Stories!

We’d love to hear how you and your child explored this letter! Share your experiences, drawings, or stories of turn-taking with us at:
📧 hello@happyenvelopeclub.com
📱 @happyenvelopeclub

As a thank you, we’ll send you a special discount code for future subscriptions and products.