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About The Book

Gilbert the Goblin’s beachside vacation gets ruined by mermaids and their games in the side-splitting latest installment in The Worst! picture book series, where even the strangest of creatures can become the best of friends.

Who doesn’t love a good vacation? Soaking up some sun, floating on the waves and…arm wrestling an octopus? When mermaids show up in the middle of Gilbert’s goblin getaway, their fin-flapping festivities quickly turn rest and relaxation into stress and aggravation.

This is clearly proof that mermaids are the worst! Can Gilbert find his beachside bliss or will he be caught in the undertow of these seaside shenanigans?

About The Author

If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.

About The Illustrator

If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.

Why We Love It

“Alex Willan knocks it out of the park with this next adventure in the Gilbert-universe with his signature silliness and vibrant, eye-catching art. Here’s a twist on mermaids you’ve never seen before, making this book a perfect beach read for fans of all ages.”

—Celia L. Executive Editor, on Mermaids Are the Worst!

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (March 13, 2025)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665962599
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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