Julián Loves Mermaids by Jessica Love

• Plot Summary: 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 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.

• Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFdmkUsQ9ZU

• This is a really sweet story about a boy who loves mermaids and his abuela who supports him by taking him to the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. The book challenges gender essentialism in widening the appropriate actions that a boy can perform and creates a fluidity in the performance of gendered actions. The immediate acceptance by his grandmother may not reflect the gender queer experience, but a very cute book to pair with some of the ones that focus on teasing or rejection.