Book Review
A short overview of this book
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love is a beautifully illustrated and simple book about diversity.
What I really like about this book is that it is very open to your own interpretation as to what message you would like to share. It could be a story about a little boy who likes to dress up in costumes that aren’t what boys normally like to wear. It could be about a boy with an active imagination who wishes he was a mermaid. Or it could be about a boy who wishes he was a girl.
A great book for starting discussions about diversity and gender expectations.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 4 to 8 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, and today I want to talk to you about a fantastic book called Julian Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love. It’s a book for children that teaches them that it’s totally okay to dress up however they want, even if it’s not in a typical costume.
Now, as a sex educator, I often review books that promote diversity, and this one really caught my attention. It’s not just about having a conversation with your child about being transgender or gender stuff. It’s about teaching them that it’s okay to be different in all aspects of life. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important for kids to understand and embrace that.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning. I mean, I would hang them on my walls if I could! They really bring the story to life. Now, being an Aussie, I did come across a few terms that were unfamiliar to me and my son. Like Ebullas – we weren’t quite sure what that meant. Maybe it’s a Spanish or South American term? Not sure, but it’s all part of the cultural richness of the book.
The story follows a boy named Julian who encounters some beautiful mermaids. There aren’t many words in the book, which I actually love because it allows you to use your imagination and have a conversation with your child about what’s happening. Julian then goes home and creates his own costume, and he looks so happy and proud.
But here’s where the real conversation starts. When Julian’s grandmother sees him, her expression is a bit hard to read. Is she angry? Confused? Maybe she’s upset because Julian is wearing something that looks like a dress. This is a great opportunity to talk to your child about gender norms and how everyone should be free to wear what they feel comfortable in.
Julian starts to feel a little sad and unsure of himself, but then his grandmother surprises him. She takes him somewhere special, and they join a group of people all dressed up in beautiful costumes, dancing on the beach. It’s a heartwarming moment that shows Julian that it’s not just about being different, it’s about expressing yourself and embracing your imagination.
Julian Is A Mermaid is not only a visually stunning book, but it also opens up so many important conversations about diversity and acceptance. It’s a journey that you and your child can embark on together, exploring different interpretations and perspectives. So grab a copy of this book and get ready for some meaningful discussions with your little one.
I hope you found this review helpful. Cheers!
