Jessica Love

Jessica Love is an American author, illustrator, and theater actress known primarily for creating award-winning children's picture books with LGBTQ+ inclusive themes. Her background spans both performing arts and visual arts, with degrees from UC Santa Cruz and The Juilliard School. Love's debut picture book "Julián Is a Mermaid" (2018) earned significant recognition, including the Stonewall Book Award and Klaus Flugge Prize. The book, which took five years to complete, was created while Love maintained an active career in New York theater, including performances in productions of "The River" and "Aubergine." Prior to her success in children's literature, Love spent thirteen years as a professional stage actress in New York City. Her artistic approach involves hand-illustrating her books using a combination of ink, gouache, and watercolor techniques. Love currently resides in New York's Hudson Valley region, where she continues to create children's literature that emphasizes inclusivity and self-expression. Her work consistently demonstrates a commitment to representing diverse perspectives in children's literature.

Readers praise the emotional authenticity and LGBTQ+ representation in Love's middle-grade novel "Julián Is a Mermaid" and its sequel "Julián at the Wedding." Many note the books' celebration of self-expression and acceptance. Liked: - Illustration style and use of color - Portrayal of family relationships - Handling of gender identity themes for young readers Disliked: - Some parents wanted more text/story development - Price point for length of books - Limited character backstory Ratings: Goodreads: "Julián Is a Mermaid" - 4.5/5 (14,000+ ratings) "Julián at the Wedding" - 4.4/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: "Julián Is a Mermaid" - 4.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) "Julián at the Wedding" - 4.9/5 (400+ ratings) Common reader comment: "The art tells as much of the story as the words do." (Goodreads reviewer)

Julián Is a Mermaid (2018) A picture book following a young boy who dreams of dressing up as a mermaid after seeing three women spectacularly dressed on the subway.

Julián at the Wedding (2020) A follow-up story where Julián and his friend Marisol attend a wedding celebration and explore gender expression through their choice of attire and play.

Mi Casa Is My Home (2023) A bilingual picture book depicting a young girl giving a tour of her multigenerational household while sharing Spanish and English vocabulary.

Christian Robinson creates picture books featuring diverse characters and urban settings through mixed-media art. His work as both author and illustrator shares Love's focus on representation and child-centered storytelling.

Julie Flett illustrates stories that explore identity and self-discovery through minimalist art techniques. Her books center on cultural expression and belonging, similar to Love's approach to personal authenticity.

Dan Santat combines theatrical storytelling with vibrant illustration work informed by his animation background. His picture books address emotional themes and personal growth through character-driven narratives.

Isabel Roxas creates stories exploring cultural identity and self-acceptance through detailed illustrations. Her work bridges theatrical elements with picture book storytelling, reflecting Love's dual background in theater and visual arts.

Andrea Davis Pinkney writes picture books that celebrate diversity and self-expression through historical and contemporary contexts. Her storytelling emphasizes representation and empowerment, aligning with Love's focus on inclusive narratives.