Julián Is a Mermaid facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Jessica Love |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Jessica Love |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Publisher | Candlewick Press |
|
Publication date
|
April 2018 |
| Awards |
|
| ISBN | 978-0-7636-9045-8 |
Julián Is a Mermaid is an American children's picture book by Jessica Love. It tells the story of a boy who wants to become a mermaid and participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Love first began writing the book in 2014 while she worked as an actress, and it was published in 2018 by Candlewick Press.
The book received wide praise from critics, both for its emotional depth and the author's artistic decision to mix watercolor, gouache, and ink in her paintings, as well as for her usage of pastel tones against a more muted background. Julián Is a Mermaid was awarded the Stonewall Book Award and the Klaus Flugge Prize, and was highlighted in several "Best Of" lists.
Plot
One day, while on the subway with his grandma, Julián sees some of the participants of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Julián becomes fascinated by them and starts dreaming of becoming a mermaid swimming in the sea.
Back home, while his grandmother is showering, Julián fashions himself a mermaid outfit with a variety of materials he finds at home, including a potted plant and window curtains. After leaving the bath, his grandmother gives what seems a disapproving look and leaves for a while, just to return with a smile on her face and a pearl necklace for Julián.
His grandmother then takes him to the parade, where he gets to walk with all the other mermaids.
Awards and accolades
Julián Is a Mermaid received a series of awards, including the 2018 Opera Prima Bologna Children's Book Fair, the 2019 Stonewall Book Award and the 2019 Klaus Flugge Prize. In its release year, Love was awarded the Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators.
Julián Is a Mermaid was highlighted by several online magazines and websites in "Best Of" lists.
