Julián is a Mermaid

 

Bibliography
Love, Jessica, 2018. JULIÁN IS A MERMAID. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9781536210613.

Plot Summary
Julián and his Abuela are spending the day at the community pool to swim. Julián can't help but be mesmerized by the "mermaids" he sees during this adventure. When they arrive back home, Julián is inspired to dress up like a mermaid and surprise his Abuela. Rather than showing anger, his Abuela shows her endless support and love for her grandson, helping him become a confident mermaid.

Critical Analysis 
Love writes about a young Afro-Latinx boy who becomes enthralled by three "mermaids" on a subway ride with his Abuela. They are on their way for a day of swimming at the community pool and Julián cannot help but think of the beautiful, unique mermaids he saw. These women are dressed up in gowns that shimmer like mermaid scales, colorful hair done, and have eccentric, daring makeup applied. Julian begins daydreaming about becoming a mermaid as well, swimming in a pool with his mermaid tail swishing and his long, curly hair free. When he and Abuela return home, she leaves him alone to take a bath, and Julián takes advantage of this alone time to create his mermaid look. When Abuela discovers what he has done, Julián prepares for anger and shame. Instead, he is met with love and support, as Abuela helps Julián put together his outfit to later join a community parade of mermaids. This innocent story talks about a young boy who wants to explore a side of himself others may not understand. His Abuela's actions are proof of unconditional love and acceptance of Julián's imaginative choices, as they make him happy and free to be who he wants. Overall, Love has written a story about the innocence children hold, what happens when their imaginative minds run free, and the comfort they receive when their loved ones support rather than judge them. 

Love's illustrations easily capture the readers attention with their delicate, soft textural details. The illustrations seem to be created with vivid watercolors, giving off a playful yet sweet appearance. It seems as the story begins and Julián sees the mermaids on the subway, he cannot help but daydream all day about what it would be like if he could become a beautiful mermaid himself. To wear fun, colorful makeup and outfits, letting his hair free or putting it up extravagantly. It seems like throughout the story, he slowly morphs into a mermaid. Julián does eventually use his imagination to create a mermaid look, using household items to create his unique appearance. These beautiful illustrations paired with the story will leave readers feeling happy for Julián as he expresses his individuality and style.  

Review Excerpt(s)
- Winner of a Stonewall Book Award
- Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor Book
- ALA Notable Children's Book
- People Magazine Best Gift Book for Kids
- NPR Best Book of the Year
- Time Magazine Top Ten Children's Book of the Year
- New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year
- Boston Globe Best Book of the Year
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Winner
- Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book
- A Junior Library Guild Selection
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Though it could feel easily preachy, this charmingly subversive tale instead offers a simple yet powerful story of the importance of being seen and affirmed." 
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A heartwarming must-have for one-on-one and small group sharing."

Connections
- A unique story to read and support individuality amongst young readers. 
- Fans of Jessica Love's illustrations and prints will enjoy the vivid, detailed illustrations in this story. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Love, Jessica, 2020. JULIÁN AT THE WEDDING. ISBN 9781536212389.
Morales, Yuyi, 2018. DREAMERS. ISBN 9780823440559.

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