Julián Is a Mermaid

Julián Is a Mermaid follows a young boy's encounter with performers from the Coney Island Mermaid Parade while riding the subway with his grandmother. The boy becomes inspired by their appearance and spirit. Through simple text and illustrations created with watercolor, gouache, and ink, the story captures Julián's creative process as he transforms everyday household items into his own mermaid costume. The artwork uses pastel colors against muted backgrounds to emphasize key moments. The narrative centers on the relationship between Julián and his grandmother, exploring themes of self-expression, acceptance, and family support. The book presents ideas about identity and imagination without explicit messaging or judgment.

Readers emphasize the book's messages about self-expression, acceptance, and unconditional love between family members. The illustrations receive consistent praise for their emotional depth and use of color, with multiple reviews noting how the characters' expressions convey feelings without words. Liked: - Representation of Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities - Abuela's supportive relationship with Julián - Minimal text that lets artwork tell the story - Cultural authenticity in setting and characters Disliked: - Some parents found it too complex to explain to young children - A few readers wanted more dialogue/text - Small number felt the theme was better suited for older kids Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (3,800+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.8/5 (500+ ratings) "The art made me cry" appears in multiple reader reviews. Parents frequently comment that the book helped their children discuss gender expression and identity.

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🌟 The book's vibrant artwork was created during Jessica Love's commute on New York City's subway, where she sketched fellow passengers who later inspired her characters. 🧜‍♂️ The Coney Island Mermaid Parade, featured in the book, is a real annual event that has been celebrating creativity and sea mythology since 1983, drawing over 800,000 spectators. 📚 The book won the 2019 Stonewall Book Award and was named one of the best picture books of 2018 by School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews. 🎨 Jessica Love used brown paper instead of traditional white paper for her illustrations, creating a unique warmth and texture that enhances the story's intimate feel. 🌈 The story was partly inspired by Love's own experiences with her transgender family member, making the narrative of acceptance especially personal and meaningful.