Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Care for Self

May 1

Written By BPFNA

About:

Title: Julián Is a Mermaid
Author: Jessica Love
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading Age/Grade Level: 3-6 years old

Summary:

In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.

While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.

Awards:

The Klaus Flugge Prize
2019—2020 Red Clover Award Nominee
2019 Ladybug Picture Book Award Nominee
2019 Children's & Teen Choice Book Awards finalist
2019 Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor, Illustrator
MRLS Cream of the Crop - 2019
Rainbow List Choice - 2019
2019 Stonewall Book Award Winner
ALSC Notable Children's Books - 2019
Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - 2019
CCBC Choices 2019 Choice: Picture Books for Young Children
CSMCL Best Books - 2018
Publishers Weekly Best Books - 2018
CPL Best Books, Picture Books - 2018
Kirkus Best Books, Picture Books - 2018
NYPL Best Books for Kids - 2018
NPR’s Book Concierge - 2018
School Library Journal Best Books - 2018
BCCB Blue Ribbons - 2018
Horn Book Fanfare - 2018

What our Vetting Team has to say:

“Yes! The gorgeous illustrations and the way reality blurs into fantasy for Julian. I love that Julian's gender or preferences aren't brought up or questioned. They don't have anything to do with him wanting to be a mermaid and his grandmother fully understands this and accepts him.”
“Yes, it's a beautiful story about accepting who we are and loving unconditionally..”

Critical Review:

While this book was exceptionally well received, reviewer Beverly Slapin (Social Justice Books: A Teaching for Change Project) issued a revision, citing Dr. Laura Jiménez’ critiques about the limitations of its representation.