Vasiliki Zali-Schiel · Children's author

A little magic.
A world of adventure.

Λίγη μαγεία.
Ένας κόσμος περιπέτειας.

Discover Rosie, Zac and Myrto — The Mermaid Village, a Greek–English picture book about courage, kindness and teamwork.

Vasiliki Zali-SchielVasiliki Zali-SchielMeet the author →
Rosie, Zac and Myrto — The Mermaid Village book cover
One adventure. Two languages.
Book cover for Rosie, Zac and Myrto — The Mermaid Village

Latest book

Rosie, Zac and Myrto — The Mermaid Village

A Greek-English illustrated adventure for ages 5–9, published by Fylatos Publishing and illustrated by Miliana Vlahou.

  • Friendship, courage, kindness and teamwork.
  • Bilingual reading for families, schools and libraries.
  • Strong visual prompts for vocabulary and classroom discussion.

Vasiliki writes stories that welcome readers of all ages into wonderful worlds and introduce them to the beauty of multilingualism. Her first book turns a sunny beach day into an underwater adventure.

About Vasiliki

I am a Lecturer in Classics at the University of Liverpool and a mother of three. I love all kinds of stories, from the narratives of ancient Greek and Byzantine historians to children’s fairy tales. As an educator and academic, I have spent years working closely with charities, teachers and schools across the UK to inspire a love of reading and encourage the study of ancient Greek and Latin language, history and civilisation.

I am fascinated by the art of storytelling and the very special, almost magical relationship between authors and their readers. What excites me most about creating children’s books is the way stories and illustrations speak to one another, opening up new worlds and stretching readers’ imaginations and creativity. Inspired by my own children, I have embraced my lifelong love of storytelling, bringing my fantastical worlds to life on the page and setting them free to find their way into the hearts and imaginations of young and grown-up readers around the world!

Vasiliki Zali-Schiel outdoors

About her first book:

My first children’s book, Rosie, Zac and Myrto – The Mermaid Village, is a whimsical and heart-warming story in both Greek and English, inspired by my three bilingual children. An underwater adventure filled with imagination, magic, mermaids and a shark, it celebrates the power of love, friendship and empathy.

When three siblings meet a mermaid, an ordinary day at the beach turns into an extraordinary adventure beneath the waves, where miraculous things can happen and nothing is quite as it seems. Blending the magic of storytelling with the joy of shared reading, the book also celebrates bilingualism and encourages children to grow in confidence as they explore two languages.

This is just the beginning! Rosie, Zac and Myrto – The Mermaid Village is the first in a series of bilingual adventures featuring the three siblings, with many more magical journeys to follow soon!

Interviews

Do you want to know a few more things about me and my writing journey?

Check out these interviews:

For schools, libraries and language learners

For Greek or English language lessons, the book supports storytime, vocabulary work, bilingual reading, empathy discussion and creative writing.

The available resources include:

  • A ready-to-use 45-minute lesson plan.
  • Greek or English vocabulary focus.
  • Printable colouring sheets and classroom activities.

Visit 'Teacher Resources' for downloadable lesson packs, pupil worksheets and colouring pages to support your students.

Children and sea creatures in the underwater world

Teacher resources

Start with the lesson plan, then adapt the vocabulary and creative prompts for your pupils.

Colouring pages

Five printable colouring sheets from The Mermaid Village.

Download colouring pages (PDF)

Buy the book

Choose a stockist and check current availability before ordering for a home, class or school library.