I have been desperately trying to find a children’s chapter or young adult book that I read many, many years ago (late 80s to maybe early 90s). I was young, but a voracious and highly skilled reader very early in life.

The book involves a man who lives by the ocean and is sad and grieving possibly. His crying at night attracts a mermaid who starts to visit him nightly, possibly signaling her presence with music. The two fall in love, but then for a while she disappears and he is sad and confused. Then one day he discovers a baby in his boat (the mermaid might or might not be present) and realizes the baby is from the love of him and the mermaid. He takes the child, I believe a boy, and raises him but I think they may visit with the mermaid every evening.

It was definitely a longer chapter book, by the age I would have read it I was no longer interested in picture books. I found it at a very small town library where children’s chapter books and young adult books were in the same basic set of shelves. I remember nothing of the cover.

I desperately want to find this book because I remember how much I loved it as a child and because every time since reading the book when I tried to find it, it’s like it never existed. I’m starting to question my memories.

Thanks!