Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches by Benilda Salvador follows a young mermaid named Malaya who lives in the ocean, where she spends her days swimming, playing, and exploring. One day, she discovers a basket floating by that contains a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She loves the taste, but when the other mermaids and mermen tease her for enjoying it, she decides to create her own version using ocean ingredients: sea peanuts, jellyfish jelly, seagrass, and sponge. At first, the others mock her, but when her friend Lael tries the sandwich and enjoys it, more merfolk become curious. Soon, everyone tastes and loves Malaya’s sandwiches, leading her to open a shop where she and her helpers invent new variations, with peanut butter and jelly remaining the favorite.

Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches by Benilda Salvador is a joyful celebration of imagination, friendship, and trying something new. Young readers will delight in Malaya’s discovery of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, her creativity in crafting her own ocean-inspired version, and the way her love for this unusual treat brings her community together. The story absolutely sparkles with warmth and humor, offering a sense of wonder that will make children eager to see what Malaya does next. The illustrations by Anuki Lopez are beautiful in gorgeous jewel tones and spectacularly classic, hand-drawn, watercolor-style art, giving every page a luminous undersea glow. This book is a treasure for storytime, inviting children to embrace their unique tastes and to share their discoveries with others in the most heartwarming way imaginable.

Is it possible that the very quality that makes you different can also make you unique? Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches by Benilda Salvador tells the heartfelt story of a little mermaid whose curiosity sends her on a superb adventure. One day, Malaya stumbles upon something quite peculiar. It turns out to be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from the human world, floating in a basket near her favorite rock. Although her friends find it hard to understand her fascination with this strange food, Malaya doesn't let their teasing dim her zeal. She courageously decides to replicate the yummy sandwich using ingredients she finds in her homeland. Her friends are in for a surprise...and a scrumptious treat!

Benilda Salvador's Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches is an endearing story that depicts a vivid underwater world. It is crafted to activate your imagination! Salvador innovatively uses food, like PB&J sandwiches made with sea sponges, to express ingenuity and fun. This tale reminds me of books where everyday life and fantasy merge to create an unforgettable adventure. The underwater illustrations by Anuki Lopez give the narrative a whimsical vibe, which I find heartwarming. Malaya's personal challenge is light, but it is nonetheless thought-provoking. Young readers will relate to her struggles with being different. Malaya learns vital lessons about staying true to oneself. This dynamic makes the story uplifting because it teaches children that self-confidence is just as important as courage. To sum it up, this charming picture book blends originality with kindness, leaving readers with the incredible idea that being unique is something to welcome with open arms.

I was so excited to finally get our copy of Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches! Oh my goodness — it was such a wonderful read. It opens the door to so many meaningful discussions, like “What is kindness?” and “Where in the story was kindness shown?” It also prompts deeper conversations about why some of Malaya’s friends were unkind, which naturally leads to topics like jealousy and bullying.

I love Malaya’s tenacity and her boldness to continue being herself — to shine her inner light regardless of what others think. The story beautifully shows how authenticity and genuine kindness can truly win the day.

Anuki, the illustrations are beautiful and shows unique diversity among all the little Mermaids.

I recently read Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches with my sons, and it was such a delightful experience. They listened intently from start to finish, fully immersed in Malaya’s charming underwater world. The story beautifully weaves together themes of kindness and believing in yourself, making it both heartwarming and inspiring. It’s the kind of book that sparks meaningful conversations with kids while keeping them entertained. A sweet, uplifting read we’ll treasure for a long time.

A delightful read is my simple summary. Benilda's first children's book has captured my heart as an adult and I look forward to reading it to my friend's little one. The lessons about kindness, inclusiveness, caring and diversity are pronounced yet presented with simplicity, clarity, gentleness and a degree of cleverness. I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated children's book to parents who care about teaching good moral principles to their little ones while introducing them to an early understanding of the power of unity, friendliness, teamwork and love. It is an impressive work of literacy and art.

This book serves as an excellent tool that emphasizes the significance of empathy, acceptance, and celebrating diversity in fostering the development of positive values in young children. It effectively illustrates cultural differences through pictures, particularly those that encourage individuals to step outside their comfort zones. The illustrations, characterized by expressive artwork and visual appeal, harmonize seamlessly with the light-hearted narratives. A heartfelt commendation to Benilda for her unwavering dedication and the time she invested in making this, her first publication, a reality.

Adorable story with beautiful illustration! I enjoyed reading this to my daughter. She loves mermaids and Malaya is sweet, cute and brave.
It encourages entrepreneurship, pushing past the opposition and trying new things! We look forward to more stories and adventures with Malaya the Mermaid!

"Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches" is an enchanting story that will captivate young readers. The vibrant, beautifully illustrated pages are sure to hold children's attention from start to finish. This heartwarming tale not only sparks the imagination but also delivers a wonderful message about kindness and perseverance—perfect lessons for little ones to take to heart.