Title: Julián Is a Mermaid
Author & Illustrator: Jessica Love
Publisher: Candlewick, 2018
Ages: 5-8
Themes: LGBTQIA, gender expression, diversity, mermaids, boys, nonconformity, unconditional love, afro-latinx, Coney Island Mermaid Parade, individuality, self-love
Awards: ALA, Stonewall Picture Book Award, 2019
Opening:
This is a boy named Julián. And this is his Abuela. And those are some mermaids.
Synopsis:
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 periwinkle 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? (publisher)
Why I like this book:
Julián’s story is about figuring out who you are and then, maybe even more importantly, finding your people. I know how huge it was to me when I finally found my gay tribe as an adult and discovering that I was not alone. How wonderful that very young boys and girls are able to do that via the pages of a book so full of heart like this one. Of course, realizing that you aren’t alone, is not a prerogative of the queer community; every child and adult should be able to have that sense of belonging
I love Love’s palate in watercolor, gouache, and ink, and the beautiful
flow she manages from image to image. Every character is fully realized, even
all those in the wonderful Mermaid Parade. There are so many story aspects in the
illustrations it is easy to miss them. Check out the end papers (I always do). At
the beginning we see Julián swimming beneath his abuela and her friends in the
local swimming pool. At the end of the book everyone is a mermaid, not just
Julian, and we are all immersed with them in the green pool water. There are
four wordless spreads, where words would have been completely superfluous as
the illustrations more than show us the joyous progression in Julian’s mind of
his own mermaid transformation.
I’m in love with the beautiful Abuela. The gesture of a gift of pure unconditional love by Abuela when she discovers her grandson dressed up as a mermaid, is surpassed only by her gift of taking him to join his people. “Like you, mijo”, she says. “Let’s join them.” And yes, I cried. This is a book most worthy of a Stonewall Award. And this was her first book. Just, wow! I also think I loved this story because it reflects so much of what I love about New York City.
Resources/Activities:
A book for everyone. Share this book with as many people as you can!
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
I recently read this book. I also really liked the illustrations and the message of acceptance.
Self-expression on Julián’s part as well as support from his Abuela, sound like the ingredients for a great picture book. The cover illustration truly shows how Julián is embracing his interest and fascination with mermaids. This book is on my reading list.
Yes, that page turn following Abuela’s lifted eyebrow is classic. I’m so glad that Julián was able to join is tribe in such a joyful way!
I have wanted to read this book. I really enjoyed your review.
Did you see the video (on the Today Show, I think) the little boy who fell in love with the character in frozen and wanted to dress like her and dance. So, his father dressed up with him in a similar costume and they danced together in their living room to the signature song. What an enlightened and cool dad! Found it posted Jan. 29 to YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtPMO301I7o
Yes, I have watched this several times this week because it is so wonderful!
This is an interesting and important book. I love the grandma! Great review. Thanks.
I have heard about this book, but haven’t yet read it. Thank you for your thorough description — I really should read this one. There are some children in my classroom, very insistent on “girl” and “boy” toys who would benefit from more books like this.
So glad you reviewed this wonderful picture book, Joanna. I loved it, too, and was thrilled that it was recognized by the ALA this past week. I truly wish that everyone could have a grandparent like Abuela.