Julián is a Mermaid
“I am a mermaid too.”
While riding the subway, Julián is mesmerized by three people dressed as spectacular mermaids. He imagines himself as a mermaid and as soon as he gets home, dresses himself up just as spectacularly. His Abuela finds him dressed this way. What will she say? What will she do seeing Julián - a boy - dressed this way?
Her actions thereafter send a powerful message to Julián and all of us in the LGBTQ+ family - you are accepted, loved and worth celebrating.
“Julián Is a Mermaid”, written and illustrated by Jessica Love, provides a role model of a grandmother who loves and affirms her grandson and his exploration of his interests. There are countless examples in our world where children and adults are shamed and outcast for not falling into the cisgendered, heterosexual narrative. Knowing that not all families fully and openly love and accept each member, this is a much-needed story to show what it could and should look like.
This is a beautifully illustrated book about love and acceptance. Love uses simple sentences and incorporates many pages that have no words at all. This writing style allows the reader/listener to spend time imagining and thinking deeply about the message of this book. This is an excellent book for English Language Learners, especially if their native language is Spanish and it’s great exposure for young children who are not native Spanish speakers (like us).
This powerful story of few words belongs on every bookshelf.
Some things to think about…
Have you ever been afraid to share something about yourself? Have you ever felt worried that you would be teased or shamed for sharing something very special about yourself? What does that feel like? If not, can you imagine what that might feel like?
Do families have to love and accept everything about each member? What is something that would be unacceptable? Why?
If you could have your very own parade celebrating something special about you, what would it be like?
Plan for a parade in your home. Use costumes, signs and music to celebrate what you love. If you take it out into your neighborhood, maybe a friend will join you!
Story and illustrations by Jessica Love
