Julian is a Mermaid; Jessica Love

Jessica Love’s debut picture book makes a gloriously big and colourful splash in the children’s book market.

Meet Julian, a little boy with a big imagination, a big heart and one very big idea. On a train ride home, Julian notices three fabulously dressed women. They have vibrant hair and are wearing the most splendid dresses with long swooshy tails. Julian’s imagination runs wild with what he sees and he can not forget what he has seen. So much so, he wants to dress as a mermaid himself. But what will his Nana think of this and is the world ready for Julian to be a mermaid…

Julian is a Mermaid tears up gender stereotypes and throws them far out to sea as Julian proves that anyone can be a mermaid. His Nana is a wonderful supporting character who embraces Julian’s desires and offers him the final finishing piece to his mermaid costume before taking him out to celebrate at a mermaid party. She is thrilled that he is comfortable being who he wants to be and does not pressure him to be somebody he is not.

The story is told with limited text and relies heavily on the beautiful and colourful illustrations. This isn’t a problem though as the illustrations are an absolute delight and the warmth and happiness within them just oozes from the page.

A very special book that screams at children to be who they want to be and to dress in whatever they want.

Recommended for 4+.