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mbrandmaier's review against another edition
5.0
As the book jacket says, the artwork is "mesmerizing." Julian sees some women on the train whose attire gives them a mermaid-like appearance. He then pulls together his own "mermaid" look; and his Nana takes him for a surprise after she sees his outfit.
librarianoliviarae's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most beautiful articulations of gender fluidity I have seen. Julian wants to be a mermaid like the ones he sees on his ride home with his Abuela. Those mermaids are participants in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, a celebration of art and self-expression in which residents dress as mermaids, parade through Coney Island, and crown a King Neptune and Queen Mermaid. The mermaids in that parade are people of all walks of life, all genders, all colors. This is a colorful introduction to gender fluidity and discussions of artistic expression and self-expression for kids. It may be of importance to note that author/illustrator Jessica Love does not identify as LGTBQ+.
bibliophagy's review against another edition
4.0
loved the illustrations so so much. most of the story is sweet. the ending left a grief taste in my mouth, and im curious what the moral or meaning suggests -- do mermaids only belong with other mermaids? can mermaids be in other places? can julian be a mermaid wherever julian goes?
cimorene1558's review against another edition
5.0
Delightful! A must-read at next year's Drag Queen Storytime!
dogeared88's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful illustrations. I love mermaids and have also always had a fascination. Lovely book
annalisenak97's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED the illustrations in this one. So beautiful and soft yet vibrant and full of movement. A story of acceptance and love and warmth.
arielamandah's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a sweet, beautiful book. My two-year-old son loved the lush pictures. Beautiful art, wonderful message.
lesbrary's review against another edition
5.0
This may be my favourite picture book that I've ever read. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. The expressions say so much by themselves. And Julián's abuela's unquestioning acceptance and affirmation makes me want to cry.
rhymeswithjoey's review against another edition
4.0
Julián is a young boy who loves mermaids. I love that already. With Machismo heavily ingrained in Latino (especially Afro-Latino) culture, having a book about a boy who likes mermaids is taboo and groundbreaking. Further, I love that Julián is Afro-Latino. Not many books I have read include this demographic of Latino culture and it's great to see it.
The message of this book is be yourself, which is essential for kids to be told. In my classroom, I'd use this book as a tolerance exposure book to break down machismo and show that it's okay for boys to like mermaids and girls to like trucks.
The message of this book is be yourself, which is essential for kids to be told. In my classroom, I'd use this book as a tolerance exposure book to break down machismo and show that it's okay for boys to like mermaids and girls to like trucks.