Julián Is a Mermaid

What lovely illustration in this beautiful book! Short on words but the story is simple and everyone should have an abuela like Julien!

First of all this book is a work of art full of gorgeous and playful paintings. The message is clear but not heavy-handed, simply depicting a grandmother who is accepting of her son’s desire to express his gender identity in a more feminine way. So many books about inclusion sound like boring educational textbooks but this one is a gem that manages to pack the punch of the message while weaving a fanciful tale. This book sparkles with originality and soul.

my kid's favorite book since he was 4. Diversity and inclusion are important values in our household- you can never start too early, in my book. The illustrations are mesmerizing and story so simple yet eloquent. Excellent lesson for kids from 1 to 100 yrs old.

In this uplifting and delightful book, a young boy named Julián is on the subway with his abuela when he sees three women dressed up as mermaids. Julián LOVES mermaids! When they get home, Julián tells his abuela that he is also a mermaid. He finds things around the house to dress himself up with flowing hair and swishy tail. He is so full of joy and wonder! My favorite part is that Abuela never questions him. She accepts him and his desire to be a mermaid without question and encourages him to be himself. So lovely! The illustrations in this book are beautiful! The colors are bright without overwhelming our star, Julián. I love the end papers and the difference between front and back (can you spit it?) This has become a very favorite book!

Let me start off by saying that this is a gorgeous book. The illustrations are just magical and very well done. I also really appreciate the representation in the book. You see various skin tones, hair types, and body types! Its also great to NOT see a story where the child only comes to accept themselves AFTER being bullied. This book is pure celebration. Julian is living his best life as is, and thats what kids need to see. Representation doesnt also need to include the child being torn down/bullied. I also appreciate that this book wasnt too long winded. I can get through this with a squirmy 4-5 yr old no problem. I would recommend this book for a preschooler or kindergartener.

A rare children's book showing diversity in gender expression, with non-white characters, non-standard family units (grandma and grandchild), and a beautiful variety of body types. And illustrations are very well-made. Definitely a book that stands out. [SPOILER ALERT] If I really wanted to go nitpicky, I would wish for a story ending that showed a more profound level of acceptance of gender-bending than [SPOILER] allowing the kid to participate in a mermaid parade - which happens once a year, where it is socially accepted for anyone to look "different" - ok, let's play mermaids today, but then what? Do we all go home / to school and behave "the appropriate way"? But really, this doesn't take away from my appreciation of this book. I hope lots and lots of kids get to read it!

We’ve purchased this book many times for gifts. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is really sweet. It depicts a child’s creative self expression and a grandmother’s loving acceptance. One of our favorites.

The art in this story is phenomenal. The illustration is colorful and evocative, but clear enough that every element is recognizable. My four year old loves this book and loves to look at the pictures, she can also work on identifying the characters emotions and actions without being told how the characters are feeling. She can also see characters shaped like people instead of just stylized barbies.