Julián Is a Mermaid

This is such a beautiful little story with illustrations to match! I'm so happy I got this!

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!

We absolutely adored this book. Julián and his abuela are so sweet. I love that my boys asked questions and really got involved in the story. They loved that Julián can be a merMAID even though he’s a boy. I was surprised that there were so few words in the book but the illustrations are beautiful and really do all of the talking. The text that is there is very concise and perfect for my youngest with a short attention span. He actually sat through the entire reading and got involved in the story.

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.

Sorry for the sideways photo but you have to see the incredible artwork. Beautiful watercolors and beautiful story. Sad to see so many people who don’t own the book commenting on their close minded views. This book not only helps children feel safe to discuss their own identity but it ALSO helps our children build emotional intelligence, tolerance and love for others and shows the beauty in being unique. I have purchased more copies to send to my friends children.

A beautiful book

A story, full of feeling, deliciously written and with really beautiful illustrations

This book is amazing, simple, beautiful, with a very positive message,the illustrations are truly beautiful. I recommend everything about this book !

５歳の娘が図書館で借りたものを喜んで読んでいました。とっくに返却したのに「フリアンが無い！ママ、私フリアンのマーメイドを読みたいのに無いよ！」と必死に探していたので改めて購入。娘は喜んで昼間も読み、ベッドにも持って行っています。ストーリーが美しい。孫の想いを尊重するおばあちゃんの対応に感激します。こんなおばあちゃんになりたい。イラストが逸脱です。前ページを家中に貼りたいくらい美しい。

No complaints