Julian Is a Mermaid
Julian Is a Mermaid is a critically acclaimed children's picture book by Jessica Love, published in 2018. The story follows a young boy named Julian who is inspired by glamorous mermaids he sees on the subway and decides to transform himself into one at home, using household items. The narrative beautifully captures Julian's journey of self-expression and his abuela's unconditional love and acceptance. The book culminates in Julian joining a vibrant mermaid parade, celebrating individuality and community. Aimed at a preschool to early elementary audience, the book is recognized for its vivid illustrations and its gentle exploration of identity and acceptance.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe book explicitly explores themes of gender expression and identity. The main character, Julian, a boy, is inspired to dress as a mermaid, symbolizing his self-expression. The author, Jessica Love, has stated the inspiration came from a transgender family member, and the book is widely recognized as LGBTQ+ literature, having won the Stonewall Book Award. The narrative depicts acceptance of diverse gender expressions.
Julian, identified as a boy, is captivated by mermaids and subsequently imagines and then physically transforms himself into a mermaid using a curtain for a tail and fern fronds for hair. His abuela (grandmother) responds with acceptance and provides him with a pearl necklace to complete his outfit. The story concludes with Julian joining the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, an event interpreted as a pride celebration, where other attendees exhibit characteristics of drag and diverse sea creature costumes, normalizing varied gender expressions.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe story includes a moment of emotional tension when Julian's Abuela discovers him dressed as a mermaid. Julian briefly experiences anxiety about her reaction. However, this tension quickly resolves into warmth and acceptance.
After Julian finishes creating his mermaid costume, 'he holds his breath' as Abuela emerges from the bathroom, anticipating her response. Abuela initially gives what 'seems a disapproving look' before her expression softens into a smile, signifying acceptance and turning the intense moment into one of relief and joy.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumJulian uses household items, specifically a curtain and a potted plant, to create his mermaid costume without explicit permission from his Abuela. This act can be interpreted as a mild form of mischief or rebellion, but it is met with understanding and affirmation rather than punishment.
Julian repurposes his Abuela's 'butter-yellow curtain' for his mermaid tail and 'the fronds of a potted fern' for his headdress without asking. While this is an act taken without direct consent, Abuela's loving response, providing a necklace and taking him to the parade, reframes the act as self-expression rather than defiance, negating any negative consequences for Julian.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile the book does not explicitly mock or criticize Christian beliefs, its central theme of affirming gender expression and identity, including interpretations of transgender or nonbinary identities through the mermaid motif, may be perceived as contrary to traditional or conservative Christian teachings regarding gender roles and identity. The book promotes an inclusive worldview that some Christian parents might find divergent from their religious doctrine.
The book advocates for unconditional acceptance of a child's gender expression ('anyone can be a mermaid'), which directly supports a view of gender as fluid or expansive, rather than strictly binary based on biological sex. The author's inspiration from a transgender individual and the book's classification as LGBTQ+ literature imply an affirmation of identities that some traditional Christian perspectives may not endorse.
Violence
LowNo instances of violence, fighting, gore, death, or war are depicted or described within the book. The story maintains a peaceful and imaginative tone throughout.
The narrative focuses solely on Julian's creative play and his grandmother's supportive response, devoid of any violent actions or imagery. There are no characters engaged in physical altercations or threats.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe book contains no overt romantic relationships or explicit sexual content. While the Coney Island Mermaid Parade involves participants in costumes, the book's illustrations depict the event on a beach and include children in non-controversial outfits, avoiding explicit or suggestive sexualization. Any perceived 'skimpy' clothing is normalized within the context of a beach parade.
The focus is on Julian's personal expression, not romance. The adult mermaids seen on the subway and at the parade are depicted in costumes, but not in a sexually explicit manner. For example, the parade scenes show various participants, including children in full-body costumes like a lobster or pufferfish.
Profanity
LowNo instances of profanity, swear words, or strong language are present in the book's text or implied in the dialogue.
The language used throughout the book is simple, gentle, and appropriate for young children, focusing on descriptive imagery and emotional cues, such as Abuela's 'smile' of acceptance.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe book features mermaids, which are mythological and fantastical creatures. This falls under the realm of imaginative play and fantasy rather than explicit witchcraft, sorcery, or occult practices with harmful intentions. The 'transformation' is imaginative and through costume.
Julian's 'transformation' into a mermaid is entirely through imagination and dressing up with household items, such as using a curtain as a tail and fern fronds as a headdress. The story does not involve spells, magic rituals, demons, or supernatural powers in a way that aligns with occult themes.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of alcohol, drugs, smoking, or any other substance use by any characters in the book.
The scenes, whether on the subway, in Julian's home, or at the parade, do not show any characters engaging in substance use or having related paraphernalia present.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
4-8 years (Preschool - 3rd Grade). The book features a simple narrative and engaging illustrations suitable for young children, focusing on themes of imagination, self-expression, and acceptance. The emotional depth around Julian's self-discovery and Abuela's reaction is presented in an age-appropriate manner, making it suitable for shared reading and discussion with adult guidance.
Additional Notes
The book is celebrated for its artistic merit and its message of self-love and acceptance. It serves as a discussion starter about individuality, family support, and recognizing diverse identities. The potential for 'Julián Is a Mermaid' to be followed by 'Julián at the Wedding' suggests continued exploration of Julian's character and themes of acceptance in future installments.
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