Julián Is a Mermaid
Julián sees mermaid performers, constructs a costume from household materials and waits for Abuela’s response; she adds a necklace and takes him to the parade. Sparse text places interpretation in expression and sequence.
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love is estimated to take about 3 minutes to read aloud (87 words, 1 sentence a spread). Best for ages 3-6.
Check the book on AmazonAffiliate link
- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 3 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Words
- 87Word count
- Sentences per spread
- 1Text density
- Re-read tolerance
- 4/5repeat friendly
- Vocabulary level
- 2/5everyday words
- Best for
- Ages 3-6Age range
Our review
After seeing three mermaids on the subway, Julián imagines and makes his own costume from a curtain, fern and makeup. The long visual pause before Abuela responds creates the book’s tension; her gift of beads and invitation to join the Mermaid Parade turn recognition into action. Facial expression and page sequence carry more than dialogue.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match uses abundant language to defend a child whose mixed tastes and heritage resist other people’s categories. Julián Is a Mermaid is quieter and more open, best for reading body language and an adult’s affirming choice. Because it leaves identity labels unstated, adults should follow the child’s questions rather than claiming one fixed interpretation.
Before you buy it
The story’s affirming response is carried largely by pictures and offers little discussion of conflict or rejection. Readers seeking explicit language about gender expression will need conversation beyond the text.
Themes
- imagination
- grandmothers
- dressing up
- acceptance
- mermaids
Books like Julián Is a Mermaid
More books with similar themes, formats, lengths and ways to join in.
