Julián Is a Mermaid facts for kids
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| Author | Jessica Love |
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| Illustrator | Jessica Love |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Publisher | Candlewick Press |
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Publication date
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April 2018 |
| Awards |
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| ISBN | 978-0-7636-9045-8 |
Julián Is a Mermaid is a popular children's picture book written and illustrated by Jessica Love. It's about a boy named Julián who dreams of becoming a mermaid. He wants to join the exciting Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Jessica Love started working on this book in 2014. It was published in 2018 by Candlewick Press.
The book received lots of praise from critics. They loved its deep emotions and the beautiful artwork. Jessica Love used watercolor, gouache, and ink in her paintings. She also used soft, pastel colors against a calmer background. Julián Is a Mermaid won the Stonewall Book Award and the Klaus Flugge Prize. It was also featured on many "Best Of" lists.
The Story of Julián
One day, Julián is riding the subway with his grandma. He sees some people dressed up for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Julián is amazed by them. He starts dreaming of being a mermaid swimming in the big blue sea.
When they get home, Julián's grandma takes a shower. While she is busy, Julián decides to make his own mermaid outfit. He uses things he finds around the house. This includes a potted plant and even some window curtains!
After her shower, his grandma sees him. At first, she looks like she might not approve. But then she leaves the room for a moment. She comes back with a big smile and a beautiful pearl necklace for Julián.
His grandma then takes him to the parade. There, Julián gets to walk with all the other amazing mermaids.
Awards and Recognition
Julián Is a Mermaid won several important awards. These include the 2018 Opera Prima from the Bologna Children's Book Fair. It also won the 2019 Stonewall Book Award. In 2019, it received the Klaus Flugge Prize too.
In the year the book was released, Jessica Love also won an award. She received the Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators. Many online magazines and websites also featured Julián Is a Mermaid on their "Best Of" lists.
