Review of Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

 

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, 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 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 Julián 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.

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**My thoughts**

This book is beautiful. It's so full of imagination and creativity. Julian loves mermaids and is ecstatic when he and his abuela run into some women dressed as mermaids when they are out and about. He is inspired to create his own costume from things around the house. The best part is, his abuela completely embraces his creativity, contributing to his costume and then taking him on an adventure to visit some other mermaids.

This is the way that it should be. We should embrace the dreams of our children and harness those creative imaginations. Let them be who they are. 

The pictures are beautiful and help to tell more of the story. You don't need a lot of words to narrate it. Instead, they can invite conversation if it is wanted. They also capture body love and awareness, finding the beauty in all types as you see all of the other characters.

I had heard about this book before, particularly because some small-minded people think it needs to be banned. I want to add this one to my physical book collection and am excited to see that Julian has some more adventures! I look forward to reading them.