It was Animal Planet’s series on "Mermaids: The Body Found" vs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and kids and parents alike chose to believe in the legendary sea creatures. We like NOAA better when it teaches us about the weather than when it tries to debunk our dreams of mermaids.

Sam Hundley
Are mermaids real? As real as you want to make one: Here is a mermaid coloring page from Lisa Suhay's book. Enlarge this image, save it to your computer, and print. Kids can color them, add sequins, glitter, and even feathers. Then cut it out and glue to a popsicle stick to make a mermaid puppet for summer fun.