Julián Is a Mermaid

Winner of a 2019 Stonewall Book Award

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, Juli n 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 Juli n 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 Juli n 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.

Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 04/23/2018
Pages: 40
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 9.40h x 10.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780763690458
Age: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 0.8
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 195490 / Julian Is a Mermaid


Award: Stonewall Book Award - Winner
Award: Ezra Jack Keats Book Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2018 - Book Of Special Distinction
Booklist 03/01/2018 pg. 54
Publishers Weekly 03/05/2018
School Library Journal 03/01/2018 pg. 87
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2018 pg. 106
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2018 pg. 110
Shelf Awareness 11/26/2018
BookPage 06/01/2018
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2018 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Jessica Love is an illustrator and a New York based actor. She has a BA in studio art from the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as a graduate degree from Juilliard.