![]() ![]() This is no formulaic "it's fine for boys to be mermaids" story. ![]() There's so much to praise in Julián Is a Mermaid, beginning with its original handling of the subject. ![]() In this delightful, mermaid-themed heartwarmer, gender is as fluid as the sea Julián dreams of swimming in. Parents might also be interested to know that the Mermaid Parade is a real event: an annual, spirited spectacle that ushers in summer at New York City's Coney Island. There's not a lot of text, with much of the story revealed via art. Author-illustrator Love depicts a vibrant community where everyone's brown-skinned. But when she brings him to a parade where everyone's dressed in similar costumes, there's relief that Julián has found his tribe. ![]() There's definite tension when we don't know how Abuela will react. Julián shares his dream and identity with his abuela, but when he first tries dressing as a mermaid, he does it when he's alone. Parents need to know that Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love is a story about a boy who wants to be a mermaid that will resonate with all kids who have secret dreams. Abuela supports her grandson by giving him a necklace to add to the costume, and by taking him to a parade where everyone's dressed like him. He bravely reveals himself to his abuela, telling her, "I am also a mermaid." When he doesn't get a response, he actively fashions himself as a mermaid, creating his costume with found materials. Julián freely imagines who he is and how he sees himself. ![]()
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