Jessica Love (1) (1978–)

Jessica Love's "Julian is a Mermaid" is a luminous celebration of identity and imagination that unfolds through sparse text and expressive illustrations. Julian's journey of self-discovery—inspired by glimpsing women dressed as mermaids on the subway—resonates with authentic emotional depth as his abuela's loving acceptance becomes the story's beating heart. The artwork dazzles with its warm color palette and delicate details, transforming everyday Brooklyn into a dreamy underwater realm show more where Julian can fully express himself. This tender portrayal of unconditional love and the freedom to be oneself stands as an essential, affirming story for readers of all ages. show less

Riding the subway with his abuela one day, young Julián sees three beautiful mermaids, resplendent in their fins. Having always loved these watery creatures, he is absolutely thrilled, and begins to imagine himself as one of them. Once he and abuela get home, he uses a fern, a curtain and his grandmother's makeup to transform himself. But what will abuela think...?

A lovely book, one which pairs a thoughtful, emotionally resonant story about a young boy exploring his identity with absolutely show more gorgeous illustrations, Julián Is a Mermaid is everything a picture-book should be. Word and image work seamlessly together, making it particularly astonishing that this is a debut from author/artist Jessica Love. I appreciated the fact that Julián's abuela is so loving and accepting, I enjoyed the New York setting (for those not in the know, New York has an annual Mermaid Parade, held at Coney Island in the summer), and I loved the artwork. The pages are brown, and the watercolor, gouache and ink illustrations vibrantly colorful. I particularly loved the scene in which the mermaid Julián confronts the huge blue fish - it fairly leaps off the page! Recommended to all young mermaid lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about little boys who don't conform to the stereotypical interests and image often defined as masculine. show less

In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous show more mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes -- and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love's author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality. show less

Mermaid-loving Julián and his grandmother return in this follow-up to their initial adventure, chronicled in author/illustrator Jessica Love's debut picture-book, Julián Is a Mermaid. This time they are attending a wedding, one in which Julián will be the ring-bearer, and his new friend Marisol the flower girl. After performing their duty to the two brides, the children sneak away from the wedding dinner to play, having a wonderful game of make-believe, after Marisol dirties her dress. show more But will their abuelas understand, when they come to get them...?

Much as with the first book, I found the artwork in Julián at the Wedding absolutely stunning! Once again, the pages are a brown, sepia tone, boasting vibrantly colorful watercolor, gouache and ink illustrations that really jump out at the reader. I love everything about this artwork, from the pages themselves to the color palette used, to the delightfully expressive human figures throughout, and the somewhat quirky and individual styles of the two abuelas. The story is sweet, featuring a same-sex wedding, a close-knit family and community group, and two children who are allowed to play and explore. I didn't find this one quite as engaging as the first, probably because it lacked the suspense - would abuela accept Julián for who he is? - but it was still engaging, and the artwork just as breathtaking. Recommended to anyone who read and enjoyed the first picture-book about Julián. show less