The Little Mermaid

I sit on my big rock right by the cool water. Splash. The little waves say hello to me all day. I love to watch the big boats and the little boats sail by. The gentle sea wind sprays my face. I am not very big, and I sit very, very still. I dream of happy stories from under the sea. Many friends come to see me. They whisper about a famous fairy tale. Do you know who I am. I am The Little Mermaid.

A long, long time ago, a kind man named Carl Jacobsen loved a story. It was a story about a mermaid who wished for feet so she could walk on land. A famous writer named Hans Christian Andersen wrote that wonderful story. Mr. Carl wanted everyone to remember this beautiful tale, so he asked a good artist to make me. The artist's name was Edvard Eriksen. He shaped me so carefully, like he was making a special toy. Then, I was made of strong, shiny bronze. Bronze helps me last forever and ever. On a warm summer day, August 23rd, 1913, I was put right here on my rock. I live in a city called Copenhagen, in a country named Denmark.

For more than one hundred years, I have sat right here, watching the world go by. It is my favorite thing to do. I see happy children playing games on the shore. I see families smile and take pictures with me. Little birds fly high over my head and sing me songs. I am like a greeter for my city. I say a quiet hello to everyone who visits by the sea. Even though I do not talk, my story is told all around the world. I help everyone remember that stories are magical and that even a small statue can hold a big, happy dream for everyone to share.