Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
"While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality." -Candlewick (PreK-3)
Helpful Links:
Author/Illustrator Q+A: Kid-geared interview with Jessica Love (video, 3 min, 30 sec) and written interview about the art (answer to why she uses brown paper here!)
Discussion: Find discussion points about family, unconditional love, being yourself and the Spanish language from Walker Books
About the Mermaid Parade: Learn more about the annual Mermaid Parade on NYC's Coney Island, "the largest art parade in the nation... opening the summer with incredible art, entrepreneurial spirit and community pride"
MEMS Library related texts: Additional books on self-expression, individuality and acceptance
Read Aloud of Julián is a Mermaid, read for you (twice!) by Ms. McCall (10 mins)