Nen and the Lonely Fisherman

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Having taught in primary schools for 13 years, I can honestly say that this is not the type of thing that children need to be shielded from. Learning about different, diverse relationships and people encourages children to see beyond their own world and gives them the ability to empathise with others.

Nen is a Merman, who spends his days exploring the ocean and all the treasures beneath the waves. He is happy but also missing something important from his life - companionship. That is until he meets Ernest, a fisherman who devotes his life to 'rescuing, freeing, collecting, dreaming ... and creating!'. The match feels pre-destined: both Nen and Ernest are kind and caring but lonely, looking for their soulmate. Both imagery and text intertwine effortlessly to tell the tale of Nen and Ernest. The illustrator’s brush strokes in the paint bringing to life the author’s words – Nen fought through the churning, lashing tempest.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 Oh, so many! It’s probably best to ask what’s my favourite book right now, as it changes all the time. I love reading crime thrillers – a passion I think I’ve got from my mum. In terms of children’s picture books I love Dapo Adeola, Rashmi Sirdeshpande, David Litchfield and the Fan Brothers. I’m a huge fan of Jessica Love and ‘Julian is a Mermaid’, which made me gasp! I also love Abi Elphinstone, Ross Montgomery, Louis Stowell, Sophie Anderson, so I try and read a children’s book every week! A lovely, gentle story of friendship and love between a merman, Nen, and Ernest, the fisherman of the title, with a conservationist theme rippling throughout. Mayhew's light-dappled, tender illustrations are the perfect foil for Eagleton's quiet, well chosen words.” - The Guardian As always, we love to have a few props to bring stories even more to life. There are lots of creative activities you could enjoy to go alongside this story too:

Today we welcome Clare Campbell, the headteacher at St Charles RC Primary School, to talk about how she has been using NEN AND THE LONELY FISHERMAN in her school! A lyrical, beautiful celebration of love, acceptance and faith, with a gentle message about how we treat our oceans, and each other. Text Rationale: One lovely way to explore identity with this book would be through the origin of names. Nen is a name of Egyptian origin that means ancient waters. Nen’s father is Pelagios of Greek origin meaning from the sea and Ernest is of German origin meaning serious and warrior. Names chosen with meaning and purpose by the author.

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While Nen loves exploring ‘ the ancient, wild depths‘ and beyond his ocean home, somehow he feels ’empty’. Thereafter he sings a sad song, that the ‘twinkling stars’ whisper across the oceans, though it seems smothered by the clouds. His explorations take him closer to the shore, where he watches Ernest, a fisherman. Nen spends his days exploring his underwater kingdom, but something is missing: his heart is empty. So, Nen ventures to the forbidden world above and it is here that he meets Ernest, a lonely fisherman. But can two people from different worlds be together and what will happen when a terrifying storm gathers? A modern adaptation of a classic ‘littlemermaid’ tale, Nen and the Lonely Fishermantells the story of a merman’s search for truelove, sending a song of hope across the sea while a lonely, caring young fisherman namedErnest hopes to find warmth in his heart. As the two meet, they feel a special connection,much to the dismay of Nen’s father Pelagioswho creates a wild sea storm to protect hisson and the ocean. Can Nen save Ernest? Mommy it’s like we’re diving into the sea and we’re swimming deeper and deeper into the ocean where it gets darker and more mysterious. Floss – 4 years old