Mermaid, Schmermaid
✿ Illustrated picture book ✿
Ages 5–10
Out February 17, 2026
Pre-orders now open
Featured by Suzy Cato
One of New Zealand’s most beloved names in children’s television, Suzy Cato recently shared Mermaid, Schmermaid with audiences across the country.
✿ About the book ✿
Mermaid, Schmermaid is a playful and poetic picture book, written in rhyme, about finding one’s place and discovering what truly matters.
A story made to be read aloud, shared, and passed on…where humour and warmth meet courage and imagination.
✿ Credits ✿
Written by Terence Araneta
Illustrated by Cassandra Paillé
Published by Little Drummer Books
Release date February 17, 2026
Age range 5–10
Length 29 pages
✿ Illustration & process ✿
For this book, I worked on character design and full-colour illustrations, with a focus on expressive characters, clear storytelling and a sense of movement.
The illustrations started with hand-drawn sketches on paper, before being developed digitally on Procreate. I paid special attention to rhythm, small details and the way images and text respond to each other.
illustration enquiries:
📩 cassandra.illustrations@gmail.com