Mermaids, Pirates, and a Message: A Q&A on The Pirates of Dinosaur Island and the Mermaid Princess

Set sail for a rhyming, rollicking, eco-conscious adventure! The Pirates of Dinosaur Island and the Mermaid Princess is the next instalment in Sheila Wenborne’s wonderfully whimsical series. Brimming with playful language, bold characters, and a timely environmental message, this story blends imagination and action with a deeper call to care for the seas.

From octopus encounters to mermaids and plenty of pirate antics aboard the Briney Blue, the tale delivers joy, teamwork and ocean awareness in equal measure. We caught up with Sheila to learn more about what inspired this adventure and what she hopes young readers will take away.

What inspired this new chapter in your Pirates of Dinosaur Island series? Why bring in a mermaid this time?

There’s much more to come! Book one is just the start. Throughout the series, The Pirates of Dinosaur Island introduces children to themes like teamwork, bravery, friendship, kindness, and environmental care, all in an accessible manner. The pirates’ adventures teach problem-solving, courage, building friendships, kindness to others, nature appreciation, and environmental stewardship. My aim is to provide preschoolers with an enjoyable story while helping them learn valuable lessons for a better world. I introduced Coral, the Mermaid Princess, to enhance the sea theme, adding both mystery and beauty, and helping children understand the importance of protecting the oceans.

The book cleverly tackles themes of ocean pollution and conservation. Why was it important for you to include that message in a children’s story?

Teaching young readers about conservation is crucial for the future. I used Coral, the Mermaid Princess, to show in a fun way how pollution harms the ocean. Through Coral's adventures, children learn practical steps to protect marine life and see why their choices matter, such as avoiding litter and preventing chemicals from harming sea creatures and reefs.

The rhyming text is so much fun to read aloud! Do you enjoy writing in rhyme, and how do you approach getting the rhythm just right?

I absolutely love working in rhyme—it turns writing into a joyful puzzle, each line a piece waiting to fit snugly into place. Sometimes, I’ll find myself pacing the room, whispering words and tweaking syllables until the rhythm feels just right. I remember spending hours on the line, “The pirates sailed into the briny blue,” trying to make the words bounce and sing the way I imagined; the moment it finally clicked, I grinned from ear to ear. That sense of achievement is wonderfully rewarding.

Perhaps you’ve felt that same spark when a rhyme finally fits just right—it’s a bit like unlocking a secret door in your imagination. Crafting these rhymes makes it easier for young readers to remember the story and read along, and I hope my enthusiasm shines through and encourages you to enjoy the magic of words, too.

Captain Clam and the crew are a lively bunch! Do you have a favourite character to write?

They are an adorable bunch, each with their own distinctive character. Captain Clam always tries his hardest, once famously mistaking a mop for the ship's steering wheel. Pete is delightfully silly but incredibly keen—he once volunteered to be lookout and ended up using a banana as a telescope. Molly, the cook, is patient and caring; she’s known for whipping up extra pancakes for anyone feeling blue. Nibbles the cat is accident-prone, having tumbled into a barrel while chasing his tail, but always landing on his feet. Cheesy Wheezy the mouse is mischievous, forever sneaking crumbs of cheese from Molly’s kitchen and leaving tiny cheese trails for the others to follow. They are all my babies, and I love them all.

The underwater world Princess Coral introduces is beautifully imagined, was this inspired by anything real, like sea creatures or coral reefs you’ve seen?

A magical holiday snorkelling in the Maldives. My mum was fascinated by the vibrant coral reefs and the schools of shimmering fish darting around us. The memory stayed with me, leaving a lasting impression of the colours, sounds, and tropical life beneath the waves.

Did you always plan for this book to follow on from the first Pirates of Dinosaur Island story, or did it take shape later?

Yes, I always planned for the Mermaid Princess to feature in the next book. Pirates and mermaids seem to go together—both evoke a sense of adventure and mystery on the high seas, which makes them a natural pairing for my stories. When I was outlining my series, I knew that after bringing pirates to life, diving into the enchanting world of mermaids would be the perfect way to carry on the oceanic adventure. Exploring these themes lets me create a vibrant, imaginative journey for readers, building excitement as each new chapter unfolds.

What do you hope young readers will remember most after reading this story?

I hope young readers will reflect on how pollution harms our beautiful and vital sea and feel inspired to take practical steps to protect it—such as reducing plastic use, joining in beach clean-ups, or sharing what they’ve learnt with others. By helping to keep the ocean clean and safe, you’re making a difference for all the amazing creatures that call it home.

When you’re not writing swashbuckling stories, what are some of your favourite ways to relax or spark your imagination?

Outside of writing, I love making things with my hands—whether I’m crafting quirky greeting cards for friends or knitting colourful scarves to keep cosy in winter. Cooking is another joy of mine; there’s something magical about baking a cake and sharing slices with my family at the kitchen table.

Most of all, I find endless inspiration wandering through the countryside with my dogs. As I stroll along winding paths, I might pause to watch wildflowers blooming or listen to the cheerful chorus of birdsong drifting through the air. It’s in these quiet moments—exploring nature, breathing in fresh air—that new story ideas often begin to blossom.

Each activity, from creative crafts to countryside rambles, helps fill my imagination with characters and adventures to share with my readers.

What advice would you give to aspiring children’s authors who want to write meaningful stories with heart and humour?

Write for your own enjoyment, and let your creativity flow freely. Take a moment to think back on your early reads—what made you laugh, feel excited, or sparked inspiration? Try listing your favourite childhood books and jot down what you loved about them; these cherished memories can serve as inspiration for your own writing. By reconnecting with the joy and wonder of those stories, you’ll find your own unique voice and style. Remember, every writer’s journey begins with a spark of delight—nurture it, and you’ll create stories with heart and humour that will resonate with readers.

Where can readers find more of your books or keep up with your future adventures?

I have two websites. The Pirates of Dinosaur Island site is www.podiworld.co.uk, and my personal website is www.sheilawenborne.com.

I’m also on Facebook and Instagram, and you can email me at sheilawenborne@gmail.com.