The starfish gives a small child something to finish early, which is the point of putting an object in a figure drawing: five short arms, done, and the long work of the tail still ahead. The bubbles are the only round shapes left white. This mermaid coloring page works from about five. The trident is the same idea with a weapon.
A mermaid holding up a starfish, bubbles rising.
More mermaid drawings to try
Mermaid With a Starfish: how to draw it step by step
Here is mermaid with a starfish in 8 steps.
Set down the head and the long hair streaming back.
Add the face, turned up towards the raised hand.
Carry the shoulders and body down to the waist.
Raise one arm up and open the hand.
Put the starfish into that hand, five short arms.
Stretch the tail out behind her, curving once.
Spread the fin at the end of the tail.
Finish with the scales and the bubbles rising.
What you need
Paper, a pencil and an eraser.