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bookish_smorgasbord's review against another edition
5.0
A gorgeous and heartwarming affirmation of a child's creativity and desire to be a mermaid. The relationship between grandchild and grandmother is wonderful! (The paper texture further enhances the beauty of the illustrations.)
moonywitch's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hyperbooktivity's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
moonyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is an absolute gem, the art is so gorgeous!
itskatietano's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so cute and showed how clothing is gender neutral in a way that is easy to grasp for children
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