Big news, everyone—I wrote a book: Mermaid Elle Saving the Seas!

Shell yeah, I did!

This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, and today, I’m thrilled to finally share it with you. My upcoming book Mermaid Elle Saving the Seas is a middle-grade chapter book, perfect for young readers who love adventure, imagination, and stories that inspire them to care for our planet. It’s not just a story; it’s a journey into the magical world of Mermaid Elle®, a character I created and who holds a special place in my heart. Through her underwater adventures, she’ll face challenges like defeating a massive pollution monster and learning what it truly means to be a leader.

The book will officially be published on June 3, 2025, just in time for World Oceans Day, and it’s already available for preorder on Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and more! (pre-order at the links below!)

Looking back, this feels like a natural progression of my creative journey. I studied screenwriting in film school and went on to work in both pre-production and post-production/editing way before becoming a mermaid performer. Those experiences taught me how to craft compelling narratives, and now, I’ve poured all that knowledge into this book.

Growing up, I read tons of chapter books—my favorites transported me to other worlds and made me feel like I was part of something magical. That’s exactly the feeling I hope to give to young readers as they dive into Mermaid Elle’s story - and everyone! Because although I wrote this book with young readers in mind, it really is for EVERYONE!

My experiences as a professional diver also played a huge role in shaping this book. Spending so much time in the ocean gave me a firsthand appreciation for its beauty and the challenges it faces. I wanted to incorporate real ocean education into the story but in a way that felt fun and natural for young readers. Like my publisher, Genius Cat Books, says, it’s the “spinach in brownies” approach—sneaking in something nutritious without taking away the joy of the adventure. From the fascinating marine life to the environmental themes, the story is packed with little nuggets of truth that I hope will inspire kids to learn more about our incredible underwater world.

This book has been years in the making, with roots that trace back to 2016 when I first brought Mermaid Elle to life. With every show I performed, I unraveled a bit more of her backstory, adding depth to her character and the world she inhabits. Now, this richly imagined universe is finally on the page, and I hope readers will love these characters as much as I do. There’s plenty of action in store too—this mermaid princess doesn’t just swim; she battles a massive pollution monster threatening her world, a challenge that’s both thrilling and deeply meaningful.

Things might change a bit as I step into my new role as an author and promote this book, but I want you to know I’ll still be performing full-time and there will be tons of public appearances, book signings and events as I am planning a 2025-2026 U.S. Tour.

Storytelling has always been a part of my creative journey, and now it’s another way I get to connect with all of you. Thank you for supporting me every step of the way! I cannot wait for this book to make a splash and find a home in the imagination and heart of every child (or inner child) that reads it!

Keep an eye out for more updates by signing up for my email newsletter here, and don’t forget to preorder your copy today at any of these links:

Pre-Order on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5Mwcq3L

Pre-Order at Target: https://www.target.com/p/mermaid-elle-saving-the-seas-by-elle-jimenez-hardcover/-/A-92946719

Pre-Order at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mermaid-elle-saving-the-seas-elle-jimenez/1146023613

*A percentage of the profit from all purchases donates to support ocean education and conservation, savingtheseas.org