Julián is a Mermaid, written and illustrated by Jessica Love, and published by Candlewick, is an Honor Book in the Books for Younger Children Category. Julián is a Mermaid tenderly distills a profound human truth—we each need to be seen and loved for ourselves—in a deceptively simple way. After a transformative trip to the local swimming pool and a subway ride home with what appear to be mermaids, Julián explains to his loving abuela that he is also a mermaid. She helps Julián reveal his inner self in a resplendent mermaid parade on the beach. The strength and heart of the book are in how the story is told in minimal text, with luminous illustrations. Julián’s revelation celebrates the diversity of the human race, gender expression, and people of all body types and colors.
Author: Jessica Love
Illustrator: Jessica Love
Award: 2019, Honor Book for Younger Children
Learn More
